The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has rejected an application by the Langley Shark Club to dismiss a discrimination complaint against the business.
On Jan. 10, tribunal member Marlene Tyshynski concluded that the case “lends itself to a mediated resolution.”
“The circumstances of this case remain ambiguous, given the strong differences between parties respecting the incident.”
She recommends a tribunal settlement meeting in hopes it will “improve the relationship” between them in the future.
Manjinder Gill and his wife, Manjit Gill, filed a complaint of being discriminated against because of their race and colour of their skin after being denied entry into the club.
Another member of their party, Suringerjit Rai who was refused entry into the club on Dec. 9, 2011 also filed an identical complaint. The tribunal has joined all three complaints for one settlement meeting.
Rai and the Gills allege that they were 15 minutes late for a reservation for a graduation party already happening inside.
The bouncer refused to let them in, claiming they were late.
At the same time, they observed Caucasian patrons getting into the club, even without reservations and not following the club’s dress code.
The Shark Club filed a response, saying that Rai was denied entry because he lacked ID and that Manjinder Gill was denied entry because he became “belligerent” after Rai wasn’t allowed in.