Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

I am a Canadian citizen visiting Southern California. I was recently refused service at a lounge due to what the waitress and the Manager referred to as "unacceptable form of identification". I have a valid Manitoba Driver's license - issued by the Province of Manitoba. It states my name, date of birth, description and photo... all the criteria noted in the B&P Code, Section 25660. Did they have the right to refuse to serve me? Why wouldn't they honor my Canadian I.D.? It was extremely humiliating. I am 26 years old, have a valid I.D., yet they turn me away? Can you please let me know if there's anything I can do?

Thank you,

Jenny


Asked on 12/19/09, 2:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

California Civil Code section 51 prohibits discrimination by a business establishment based upon -- among other things -- national origin. Because the ignorant people at this establishment failed to recognize a foreign driver's license can be considered discrimination. You were humiliated but the question is, what is your upset worth? You can write a letter to the owner of the company detailing the circumstances so that its employees are better educated.

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Answered on 12/24/09, 2:35 am


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