Eddie Rockets has been ordered to pay €5,000 in compensation after a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing revealed the fast food chain discriminated against former Paralympic athlete Nadine Lattimore, who is blind and uses a guide dog. The decision came after the restaurant’s staff directed Lattimore to sit by the entrance when she visited the Parnell Street location in Dublin 2, despite her concerns about safety and comfort.
The incident occurred on October 2, 2023, when Lattimore arrived at the restaurant with her guide dog, Pilot. She was told by a staff member that she could only sit by the door if she wanted to bring her dog inside, a seating arrangement she found unsafe and uncomfortable. Lattimore, in evidence, explained that sitting by the door posed security risks due to her disability and also meant Pilot wouldn’t fit under the table. She attempted to explain her situation, but claims she was dismissed with a flat refusal and spoken over by the staff member.
Lattimore, who represented Ireland in the 2012 Paralympic Games, expressed frustration during the hearing, stating she was trying to advocate for herself and her rights, rather than just “walk out of the restaurant crying.” She also highlighted the broader issue of difficulties faced by blind people with guide dogs when accessing businesses. Patrick Burke, former chairman of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, supported Lattimore’s account, stating that many clients had reported similar experiences, leading some to leave their dogs at home to avoid negative reactions.
Following the incident, Eddie Rockets initially denied discrimination, citing a “full internal investigation.” However, the company later admitted the mistake, acknowledging the actions of the staff member were unacceptable. Eddie Rockets also stated that the worker had received training on service animals after the incident. The restaurant’s legal team argued that the staff member’s mistake was promptly corrected by the head chef, and refuted claims that the employee was rude or difficult.
Lattimore’s lawyer, David McCarroll, emphasized that the case was not about financial compensation, but about asserting the rights of people with disabilities. He argued for the maximum penalty under the Equal Status Act, €15,000, to serve as a deterrent for other businesses. However, the adjudicator, Marie Flynn, determined that a €5,000 award was appropriate, noting that Eddie Rockets had taken remedial action.
In addition to the compensation, Flynn recommended that Eddie Rockets consider posting signs in their restaurants stating, “Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs Welcome” to promote inclusivity. This ruling follows a series of similar cases involving Lattimore, including a €7,000 award from Dealz in July and a €2,000 compensation from Lidl in September for previous discriminatory incidents involving her guide dog.
