Cornwall pub stands by decision to refuse service after discrimination claim

Alex Barker, from Coventry, visited the Cutty Sark pub on Grove Place in Falmouth, Cornwall, on Saturday and was allegedly refused alcohol for being 'intoxicated' ​despite only drinking one beer.

The pub claims Barker stumbled on his way into the pub, and the decision was taken “out of a genuine concern for the safety and welfare of all our customers”.

“This was not out of any discrimination,” it said.

Barker posted a video on YouTube ​describing his experience.

“In 25 years I have never been refused a pint,” he said.

“I believe it is because I’m disabled and my face didn’t fit.”

He claims he returned to the pub the next day, but did not receive an apology.

Cutty Sark argues that staff have to make an instant decision over service, to ensure the safety of all customers based on their perception of the potential risk.

“We operate a zero tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind and will continue to do so,” the pub added.

Barker, who suffers from Moebius Syndrome, is being supported by Changing Faces, the national charity that supports and represents people who have conditions or injuries that affect their appearance.

Chief executive Dr James Partridge said: “Cornwall’s beaches and stunning scenery attract more than four million visitors a year, and as many as 40,000 of these tourists will have a condition, mark or scar that affects their appearance.

“The Equality Act offers protection to people with disfigurements, and it may be that the pub has breached that law. The pub’s management, and the wider hospitality and business community in Cornwall, have a responsibility to make sure that everyone is made to feel welcome.”

Changing Faces is encouraging venues across Cornwall to embrace ‘Face Equality’ and tweet to say that they’d be proud to #ServeAlex when he next visits the county.