A pub landlord has vowed to defy Labour's new workers' rights charter that could restrict controversial conversations in pubs.
Guy Richardson, who runs The Bright Star, in Luton, Bedfordshire, branded the proposed legislation "yet another churlish brainwave put forward by those that have no idea of what goes on in the real world."
The new law, expected to come into force next year, would require employers to prevent workers from being harassed by customers, including during discussions about sensitive topics like trans rights and religion.
"No chance will I be enforcing this," Richardson declared. "I'd already refused to police the no smoking in public gardens we're just a traditional English Country Pub plain and simple."
"I don't tolerate poor behaviour or rudeness however realise that the pub is where people from all walks of life get together for a chat, rant or simple conversation as its not directly offensive I'm happy to keep it that way.
"I have my own views about politics as do others and it forms great discussion without offence. I have never in my life voted until the last election that is and met with both MPs - past and present- to discuss my points of over 40 years experience in the licensed trade.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
"Lip service is all they offer and as such, not welcome at The Bright Star."
The legislation has sparked concerns from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) about how employers could enforce restrictions on philosophical debates in venues like pubs.
The bill forms part of Labour's broader workplace reforms, which include scrapping previous anti-strike laws and introducing new employment rights backed by trade unions.
The watchdog raised particular concerns about how the regulations might apply to "overheard conversations" in venues like pubs, where business owners would be responsible for policing discussions of contentious beliefs.
A key challenge identified by the EHRC is employers' struggle to understand what constitutes a "philosophical belief" under equality law.
Protected beliefs can include religious views, gender-critical opinions, beliefs in gender identity, political philosophies and ethical veganism.
"The legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers," the EHRC stated in evidence to MPs.
Under the proposed reforms, employers could face legal action if they fail to protect staff from harassment by "third parties" such as customers.
The proposals have sparked significant concern among industry leaders.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “These are complex legal issues, which employers are not equipped to navigate. Imposing disproportionate restrictions would unfairly burden businesses.”
Similarly, the British Beer and Pub Association warned against expecting pub staff to adjudicate private conversations between patrons.
Find Out More...
Guy Richardson, who runs The Bright Star, in Luton, Bedfordshire, branded the proposed legislation "yet another churlish brainwave put forward by those that have no idea of what goes on in the real world."
The new law, expected to come into force next year, would require employers to prevent workers from being harassed by customers, including during discussions about sensitive topics like trans rights and religion.
"No chance will I be enforcing this," Richardson declared. "I'd already refused to police the no smoking in public gardens we're just a traditional English Country Pub plain and simple."
"I don't tolerate poor behaviour or rudeness however realise that the pub is where people from all walks of life get together for a chat, rant or simple conversation as its not directly offensive I'm happy to keep it that way.
"I have my own views about politics as do others and it forms great discussion without offence. I have never in my life voted until the last election that is and met with both MPs - past and present- to discuss my points of over 40 years experience in the licensed trade.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- 'Vile and sickening!' Neighbour accuses pub-goers of mocking mum's death and cutting off CCTV
- 29 people 'snowed in' at Britain's highest pub for 72 HOURS finally freed
- Sharia Courts 'exceed proper role' as rights of Muslim women 'failed' on domestic violence
"Lip service is all they offer and as such, not welcome at The Bright Star."
The legislation has sparked concerns from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) about how employers could enforce restrictions on philosophical debates in venues like pubs.
The bill forms part of Labour's broader workplace reforms, which include scrapping previous anti-strike laws and introducing new employment rights backed by trade unions.
The watchdog raised particular concerns about how the regulations might apply to "overheard conversations" in venues like pubs, where business owners would be responsible for policing discussions of contentious beliefs.
A key challenge identified by the EHRC is employers' struggle to understand what constitutes a "philosophical belief" under equality law.
Protected beliefs can include religious views, gender-critical opinions, beliefs in gender identity, political philosophies and ethical veganism.
"The legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers," the EHRC stated in evidence to MPs.
Under the proposed reforms, employers could face legal action if they fail to protect staff from harassment by "third parties" such as customers.
The proposals have sparked significant concern among industry leaders.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “These are complex legal issues, which employers are not equipped to navigate. Imposing disproportionate restrictions would unfairly burden businesses.”
Similarly, the British Beer and Pub Association warned against expecting pub staff to adjudicate private conversations between patrons.
Find Out More...