Compensation awarded over racist and sexist bouncer

Two friends who were subjected to racial and sexually obscene remarks have been awarded £7,500 in compensation by a judge at Belfast Recorder’s Court. 

A doorman made the remarks in September 2008 after refusing the pair entry to the Bambu Beach Club.

The judge held that Domingos Lopes and Joanne McGuiness were discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.  He stated that the friends were subjected to remarks which were unjustified and vile, which constituted the worst type of race discrimination.

The court also heard that other staff, including management, witnessed the events but did not intervene.  The friends raised the claim for compensation with the assistance of the Equality Commission.