Pubs could be forced to allow breastfeeding

Pubs could be forced to allow women to breastfeed on their premises under new proposals.

The government has published a consultation document which include proposals for a Single Equality Bill. It says its aim to "simplify and improve existing legislation and make common-sense proposals to modernise discrimination law".

If made law, it would protect new mothers from discrimination in relation to goods, facilities and services.

For example, a mother with a baby under one-year-old could no longer be made to leave a venue when they are discreetly breast feeding their baby.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "Equality law is not about some abstract concept. It is about how every one of us is treated at work, as a customer and consumer, and by our public services.

"Our consultation document aims to provide clearer and more effective protection from discrimination wherever people are faced with it in their everyday lives.

"This government has a proud record of promoting equality of opportunity and tackling discrimination.

"This has included legislation to prevent harmful discrimination in the workplace, duties on the public sector, new rights and the biggest package of support for working families and carers as well as setting up the Commission for Equality and Human Rights."