Barracuda faces tribunal in licensee age row

A devastated licensee is seeking to take a pub operator to employment tribunal, claiming she was thrown out of her pub because of her age.

Lilian McNaughton, who managed the Ketton Ox in Yarm, Cleveland, is taking on Barracuda Group, which allegedly told her she did not fit in with refurbishment plans because she was 55.

Barracuda recently announced it was to give the Ketton Ox a makeover, turning it into a Smith & Jones brand and putting more emphasis on sport.

After the decision Ms McNaughton says she was offered a new job in Durham so Barracuda could develop a younger feel to the pub, but she refused to take on the new role because it meant a move away from her home and family.

Ms McNaughton said: "I had a meeting with my area manager and was told about the planned refurbishment. He asked me two questions and one was how old I was. Barracuda later said that I did not fit the new profile and because I didn't like football I wouldn't be the best person for the job.

"I've had an unblemished record. Barracuda even told me that I have no faults, so I don't understand why I should have to leave. This has completely turned my life around and left me feeling humiliated."

Ms McNaughton's departure from the pub, where she also lived, sparked a petition from regulars, with 70 protesting against the decision. After taking her case to the Transport and General Workers Union, Ms McNaughton received legal advice which could progress to employment tribunal. Barracuda was reluctant to comment, claiming that it was still trying to resolve the matter.

Pictured: Lilian McNaughton outside the Ketton Ox in Cleveland.​