Elaine Carroll v Gruaig Barbers

The respondent is a Barber’s shop which refused to cut the complainant’s hair.  She asserted she had previously had her hair cut by the respondent who vehemently denied this.

The complainant established a prima facie case because she was refused service and it was because of her gender.  The respondent presented its lease to the Tribunal which had a provision that its premises were to be used only “as a barber shop to include retail sale of ancillary products and the provision of hot shaves”.  It also argued that its insurance did not cover women’s hairdressing.  Finally, it argued that section 5(2)(c) of the Equal Status Acts provided it with a specific exemption.