Women to get 'right' to breastfeed in pubs

The Government looks set to give women in England and Wales the legal right to breast feed in pubs, restaurants and other public places.

Mothers in Scotland already have the right and any licensee who refuses to allow a woman to breastfeed in his pub could face fines of up to £2,000.

For over 40 years, laws have been introduced in a piecemeal fashion and have as a result become overlapping and less clear​Communities secretary Ruth Kelly.

Now communities secretary Ruth Kelly wants to extend those rights to the rest of the UK.

The proposal is part of the consultation for a Single Equality Bill to 'simplify and modernise equality law'.

It says women should be allowed by law to breastfeed babies under one-year-old "discreetly" in public places.

The proposed new laws would also force private working men's clubs to give women equal rights.

Clubs will have to allow females entry at all times and give full membership rights and managerial opportunities to women.

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.

"For over 40 years, laws have been introduced in a piecemeal fashion and have as a result become overlapping and less clear.

"So it is right we have this review to ensure the laws which govern how people are treated in their everyday lives are as clear and effective as possible."