Cuisine buffet ltd faces legal blow after racially charged ejection

In a groundbreaking legal battle, an Irish Traveller family has emerged victorious against Cuisine Buffet Ltd in Belfast, securing a £20,000 compensation after a court ruled they were unlawfully discriminated against on racial grounds.

In a shocking turn of events, the Joyce family, eager for a peaceful dinner at Cuisine Buffet Ltd on York Street, found themselves at the center of an embarrassing and distressing incident. Despite causing no disturbance, the family was allegedly asked to leave, with the restaurant facing accusations of discriminating against them based on their ethnicity.

Patrick Joyce, spokesperson for the family, expressed their dismay, saying, “We were looking forward to our first dinner as a family, after a very difficult time for us following the death of two of my sons; instead, we were made to leave the restaurant.” The family contends that their forced exit was a result of past incidents involving members of the Travelling community, a claim denied by the restaurant.

The Joyce family, supported by the Equality Commission, took their case to court, which ruled in their favor. Cuisine Buffet Ltd, choosing not to defend themselves, has now been ordered to pay each member of the Joyce family £5,000. The landmark decision serves as a stern reminder that discrimination based on race is both unacceptable and illegal.

Eoin O’Neill, Head of Legal Services at the Equality Commission, commented on the ruling, stating, “What happened to the Joyce family was distressing and humiliating and, as importantly, it is against the law. Irish Travellers are protected by the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997.” The court found that the restaurant’s refusal to allow them to remain in the establishment perpetuated racial stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of challenging such prejudices through legal means.

The Joyce family’s victory serves as a crucial milestone in the fight against racial discrimination, sending a powerful message that such behavior will not be tolerated. As this case concludes, it stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to ensure equal treatment for all members of the community, regardless of their background.

This landmark legal triumph highlights the necessity of upholding the Race Relations Order and reinforces the commitment to eliminating discriminatory practices. As the Joyce family moves forward, their victory becomes a beacon for others who may face similar challenges, showing that justice can prevail in the face of adversity.