The ever-popular "ladies night" at bars and clubs is under fire in Minnesota. On June 4, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights described practice of offering women reduced or free drinks and entry gender discrimination. "Gender-based pricing violates the Human Rights Act," department Commissioner James Kirkpatrick said in a statement.
An ongoing investigation suggests men were denied "full and equal enjoyment" at five bars in the Twin Cities area that held ladies nights.
In pending cases, they purport that offering this gender-based discount violates the Human Rights Act, and establishments found guilty must pay damages. The Department of Human Rights brought the cases as a result of five complaints. The department stated that it will not seek out bars that have a "ladies night" but will respond to complaints filed by people who believe they've been discriminated against.
Minnesota isn't the first state to incur ladies night suits. Roy Den Hollander, a New York lawyer, began filing lawsuits against "the infringements of men's rights" in 2000 in New York City. He contended that ladies night violates the 14th amendment. Most of his claims were thrown out. From one bar, however, he received a settlement check of $40 and free entry at his next visit.
