Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Lincoln — Restaurant in Lincoln

Discriminated against for carrying life-saving medical equipment.

I’m writing this review with real sadness and frustration after a deeply upsetting experience at Katie O’Brien’s in Lincoln on Saturday, 4th October 2025.

Despite being initially allowed in, I was later stopped and refused entry solely because I was carrying a man bag — which contains life-saving EpiPens and other essential allergy medication.

I calmly explained this to the door staff and even showed them the medication, but I was treated with suspicion, dismissed, and ultimately denied access.

As someone with severe, life-threatening allergies, I rely on this medical kit every day. I was made to feel like a criminal for simply trying to stay safe — while a clearly intoxicated man was allowed to remain outside, repeatedly falling over and needing help from police and staff.

This wasn’t just poor judgment. It felt like discrimination against a hidden disability. Several people around me questioned whether someone more also played a role in the way I was treated — a thought I hoped wasn’t true, but can’t ignore given the cold, confrontational handling of the situation.

I contacted the venue via Facebook and email — both ignored. I’ve now escalated this to the company director and will pursue this further with licensing authorities, the SIA, and disability rights organisations.

I never thought carrying medication would get me turned away from a venue — and humiliated in front of friends — but that’s what happened here. I’ve since warned others in the allergy community to avoid this place unless policies change and staff receive urgent training.

All I asked for was reasonable understanding and to be treated like a human being. What I got instead was fear, embarrassment, and complete disregard for my...

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