Bouncers misjudged Tallaght man’s disability for drunkenness

By Mary Dennehy

A YOUNG man with a rare condition was left feeling “embarrassed, upset and frustrated” after he was refused entry to a nightclub when bouncers misjudged his disability for drunkenness.

Living in Tallaght, Richard Redmond (31) has a rare condition called Septo Octic Dysplasia, which affects his speech and balance.

On St Patrick’s night, Richard went out socialising with friends and arrived at a local venue at around 10.40pm, just before it began to get busy.

However, according to Richard, when he tried to gain access to the club he was told by bouncers that he couldn’t enter as he was too drunk.

“This assumption came about due to my speech impediment which is related to my disability and not because I was drunk,” Richard told The Echo

“I felt discriminated against, embarrassed, upset and frustrated that they did not believe I had a disability and that I wasn’t drunk.

“They would not listen to what I was trying to say and I even tried to show them my Disability Allowance card.”

After emailing the nightclub, and not yet receiving a response, Richard has used his experience to try and raise awareness among the community.

He said: “I believe there needs to be more awareness around disabilities.

“I am trying to live my life to my full potential and not allowing my condition to restrict me, and in most cases I succeed.

“I am fully aware that I have a disability, but feel that I should not be discriminated against because of it.

“People in general should be educated more in respect to dealing with individuals with disabilities to promote awareness.”

He added: “I think local businesses could be more inclusive and aware by being more mindful that there are people with disabilities in the area.”

The Echo did attempt to contact the venue, however a reply was not received in time for print.