Camping site policy that does not allow all male groups

[londonbarry]

I was camping last year with my civil partner and his dad and we arrived at a camp site that told us we couldn't rent a pitch since they do not allow all male groups. Is this illegal under the Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Provision of Goods & Services law? On that occasion they eventually made an exception for us, but we're going camping again soon and I'd like to know what our rights are before we go.

[redcrx]

they will have put the ban on all male groups (and possibly all female groups) in because of a possible risk of rowdiness and the effect it would have on other campers, and nothing to do with the sexual orientation of the group. I doubt that you would be able to contest it.

They probably made an exception for you as you seemed unlikely to be throwing parties or getting drunk and rowdy, like a stereotypical teenage group of lads.

Many sites will also ban female groups for the same reason.

[RevFunk]

They can do what they like its their site

Butlins operate a similar policy

[Fay Mousse]

It's a common policy for all types of holiday accommodation and camp sites. It supposedly creates a family atmosphere and prevents rowdiness.

It is perfectly legal.

[Postdog]

Butlins for instance requires info on EVERY guest and some aren't allowed unless responsible adults also attend.

[squarebear]

RevFunk has it. It's their site and they can insist you all wear pink feathers if they wanted to.

[showcatbenga]

Find a camping organisation - like the caravan club - that has a handbook & lists all the sites, what facilities are available, booking policies, etc. Contact ahead of time & book your pitch, pay a deposit, checking small print & policy.
At least if they change their mind on the day they have to refund your money & that always hurts the small business owner! Lol.
You could also try tourist information for campsites in the region you're planning to visit.

[nic121]

This is common practice across other sectors aswell. Ever been out with a group of all male friends and been refused entrance to a bar or club based on this? I have. Technically, under the precise Gender Discrimination Act, it is illegal to treat someone differently based on gender. HOWEVER, if the policy is in place to protect other customers and your business it is acceptable. They can't just say 'you look dodgy' when you arrive and ask you to leave, but they can print a policy to say 'no large groups of men'.

My advice is to simply check with the camp site before you leave or book. I go camping every August bank holiday with a large group of friends aged 25-27, so we are often regarded as a 'high risk rowdy group' even though we are all law abiding and respectful young people. That being said, there are plenty of camp sites that have accepted our bookings, so you shouldn't have problems finding one that does.

[londonbarry]

Thanks for all your answers. I also took some advice from a legal person and they basically say that you are all right in that it is lawful, as the policy applies equally to all male straight groups and all male gay groups and so is discriminating on gender not sexual orientation. However, it becomes unlawful under the act if they use this policy to exclude a male couple, whilst they continue to accomodate straight couples. As a same sex couple does not constitute a group. In any case, this doesn't really help us as we are going with my father-in-law and so we are actually considered a group. Although, I wonder if you could argue the point, in that, would they allow a straight couple and their father-in-law, how can they refuse a gay couple and their father-in-law. Anyway, I have already booked a site in advance with no problems. So I think everything will be fine. Thanks again,

[BRAVO1]

Hi Londonbarry.

Sounds to me as if this campsite wasn't worth visiting in the first place...I would rather have you camping next to us rather than a tent full of screaming kids.

What a stupid country we live in mate, this is supposed to be modern 21st century Britain.

Good-luck to the three of you.