Night-time Economy: Equality
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent estimate she has made of the cost to the night-time economy of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.
Answered by Chris Bryant
We appreciate that any reinterpretation or clarification of the Equality Act 2010 may raise operational considerations for businesses, including in the night time economy. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s update aims to support understanding and inform future dialogue rather than mandate specific changes. Employers and other duty bearers should continue to follow the law and take appropriate legal advice where necessary.
The EHRC has launched a consultation on their Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations which closes on 30 June. We encourage stakeholders to engage with the EHRC consultation and make their views heard.
The Government is committed to engaging with both the EHRC and sector stakeholders to ensure that any changes in interpretation or practice are understood and implemented in a proportionate way. The Government will consider the EHRC's updated draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted, to help provide greater clarity for service providers, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.
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