Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Oregon

Can a bar owner refuse me service for no reason other than because another customer does not like my presence there?

I was refused service at a bar / restaurant because I had previously dated another patron who does not like my presence there. There was never unruly behavior or any type of altercation on my part, nor on the part of my ex (in my presence).

I have never caused a scene or anything of the like. I walked in this evening and I was told by the bartender that the owner said he was not to serve me any longer. When I asked why, he said he believed it was because of M* (ex-boyfriend) and S*(friend of ex).

Since neither of us ever caused a disturbance or altercation why was he chosen to be served over me. Also, I have recently stopped drinking alcoholic beverages, so I order club soda or diet coke, which does cost less. My ex was not present when this occurred.

None of the following situations were factors:

* Patrons who are unreasonably rowdy or causing trouble

* Patrons lacking adequate hygiene (e.g. excess dirt, extreme body odor, etc.)

* The customer threatens to harm employees or other patrons

* The customer�s presence may create an issue of safety or health hazards

If this is a "boys club" type of issue, or a financial gain issue for the business owner is this a legal practice? Thank you very much for any information.


Asked on 2/24/15, 5:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

The bar is private property. For the most part, that means the owner can exclude anyone he chooses. He can't do so based on their race, religion, etc., but he can based on how he feels about them individually or what he believes they've done. That's true even if his beliefs are incorrect or unreasonable.

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Answered on 2/24/15, 11:52 am


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