Host faces ruin over transsexual court case

by Tony Halstead A Northants licensee, who ordered a group of transsexuals and transvestites out of his pub, faces financial ruin if the group succeeds in a £300,000 sex discrimination claim.

The six customers are claiming between £15,000 and £50,000 each for humiliation and hurt feelings after being told to leave the Red Lion at Thornby 12 months ago.

Host John Gawthorp refused to serve the group when a customer complained about one of them using the ladies' toilets.

The drama unfolded on a busy Saturday night when the pub was filled with drinkers and families enjoying meals.

"Customers became concerned when one of the group was seen emerging from the ladies' toilets," Gawthorp recalled.

"There were several families who said they did not want their daughters using the ladies if these people were going in.

"A tense situation was building up and I could detect there would be trouble if I allowed things to continue.

"I suggested they use the gents toilets instead, but they refused, so I felt I had no option but to ask them to leave."

He added: "Unfortunately I do not have a disabled toilet on the premises, which might have been an acceptable alternative.

"I understand these people want to be accepted in society, but I had to take account of the unpleasant atmosphere which was developing in the pub."

Gawthorp is adamant he acted as a responsible licensee.

He said a number of the group had used the pub on previous occasions, but each time trade was quiet and there was no adverse reaction from other customers.

A writ was issued by solicitors representing the group last October and the case is due to be heard in May or June.

Gawthorp, who is being legally represented, said he did not know whether he could afford to defend the action.

Lawyers said there seemed to be no legal precedent or case law which replicates the exact situation in which the licensee found himself.