Eatery bans Russians

Press, 12 January 1987, Page 1

Eatery bans Russians

Christchurch’s Guardsman Restaurant is refusing to explain a “No Russians” rule it has imposed on customers. The South Island Human Rights Commissioner, Ms Diana Shand, yesterday described the rule as “extraordinary” but said the commission would take no action unless somebody made a complaint “When there is no clear detriment done — no. specific people who have really suffered — and it may be just a matter of propaganda, we have to have due regard to where resources are best spent” she said. A complaint could be

made by anybody, not just someone affected by the action complained of. She was concerned, however, in some cases publicity generated by a complaint might be of benefit to the business or group involved. The Guardsman Restaurant’s proprietor, Mr lan Kerr, refused to make any comment or explana-

tion about the sign last evening. It is written in chalk in an. advertising sign that stands outside the restaurant’s Armagh Street entrance “I think it would probably be very interesting if somebody went along and said, ‘l'm a Russian and I’m coming in anyway,* ” said Ms Shand.