Halves not enough

Press, 12 May 1980, Page 14

Halves not enough

NZPA - Cardiff A landlord’s rule that women in his lounge bar should only be served beer in half-pint glasses has been declared illegal. > Harold Williams, “governor” of the Maltsters Public House in Whitchurch had broken the sex discrimination act, a County Court judge ruled yesterday. .. The Court heard that Mr Williams thought it was not ladylike for women to drink from pint mugs. He had introduced the rule at another pub eight years ago after two lesbians had been drinking pints. “They were making thenaffections for each other clear for all to see so I decided to ban pints for ladies,” he said.

However, the rule upset a shop manageress, Susan Corke, 24, who brought a private action at the court after she was refused a pint in . the lounge - bar when 'accompanied by her parents and finance.; • Declaring the rule illegal, 1 , the Judge said it could lead to as many problems as it was designed to overcome. “If you refuse to servea young lad}' a pint glass of beer it could possibly lead to a male companion becoming quite disorderly,”' he said. The Judge granted 50 stg (100 Aust) damages to. Miss Corke. Outside the court Mr Williams said he had: not .realised he was breaking the taw. He still’ thought drinking pints‘was unladylike. .....