Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Following allegation of a gender based discrimination against Harzoyka Restaurant, the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (“Commission”) on Sunday, November 8, 2020, received credible information and subsequently a complaint was lodged at approximately 11:00 P.M investigation commenced with a fiat
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Chief Babatunde Irukera, who disclosed to the media, said the subject of the information and complaint was that a regular patron at Harzoyka Restaurant, No. 71B, Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja Lagos was denied entry at approximately 3:50 PM on Sunday November 8, 2020.
He explained that the reason for her been denied entry in to the restaurant was because she was female, and not accompanied by a male companion.
” Between the restaurant’s opening time 0f 11:00 A.M and 1:30 PM on Monday, November 9, the Commission conducted surveillance and monitoring at the location, including attempted patronage by an undercover lone female operative of the Commission.
” The operative was only engaged to ensure proper face covering to gain access, and there were other lone female patrons in the restaurant.” Erukere stated
He explained further that investigations by the Commission included engaging security, service personnel and senior management of the restaurant.
On interrogation, the proprietor of the restaurant admired that approximately a month ago, it implemented a new access control policy to promote social distancing in accordance with prevailing COVID-19 management protocols, but denied that such policy was targeted at or aimed deliberately to deny access to lone female patrons.
According to the Vice Chairman, the Commission has noted that Harzoyka Restaurant failed to provide appropriate sensitivity training; and exercise sufficient oversight with respect to security operatives who enforce access control policies .
Necessary efforts including clear and timely escalation of customer dissatisfaction to management were not considered, which has probably led to the unresolved discriminatory incident, Erukere observed.
” The Commission is issuing a Compliance Notice pursuant to Section 150, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act, and the undertaking in question shall remain under supervision for a limited period to ensure adequate training and oversight regarding illegal or prohibited parameters for denying access; and proper customer engagement and complaint resolution.” He disclosed.
The Vice Chairman who also warned that the Commission will never tolerate and will reject any discrimination or stereotyping on account of race, gender, social class or any other protected ground, said perpetrators will be made to face the fullest weight of the law.
The Commission therefore commended the complainant, and urged the public to report conducts and practices by businesses that violate the rights of citizens to the appropriate quarters.
