Indian Restaurant, Harzoyka, Sanctioned For Discriminating Against Nigerian Female Customers

Harzoyka Restaurant, located in Ikeja, Lagos, has been placed under supervision by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following a discriminatory policy which target female customers patronising Harzoyka.

AllNews had broken the story of the company's new policy which prevent women from patronising Harzoyka without a male companion. The manager of the company who simply identified himself as Dipah explained the reason behind the discriminatory policy.

Reason Behind The Discriminatory Policy

Harzoyka told AllNews that female customers occupy spaces for two to three hours in the restaurant, ordering only bottled water or a drink, while high-profile customers won't get seats when they arrive. The Manager of Harzoyka, who simply identified himself as Dipah, said that's why the company initiated the new policy.

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He said Harzoyka entertains high profile guests that are always disturbed by the ladies, and the high profile guests don't like it, "some people (high profile) like girls, some don't like (the) girls."

Dipah said he had explained to some female customers about it, but they "always talk rubbish" to him. AllNews learnt the company had "had enough", hence the discriminatory policy which has angered Nigerians online. He also said he doesn't care what the government thinks about the policy, stating it will remain forever.

Note that in Nigeria, both men and women are allowed to dine in restaurants alone without accompanying each other.

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FCCPC Move Against Harzoyka's New Policy

FCCPC has issued a complaint notice against Harzoyka, and placed the restaurant under supervision to ensure the company revert to old policy and allow female the freedom to patronise their outlet without gender profiling or male companion as demanded by the new policy.

"Commission is issuing a Compliant Notice pursuant to section 150 Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act, and the undertaking in question shall remain under supervision for a limited period to ensure adequate training and oversight regarding illegal or prohibited parameters for denying access, and proper customer engagement and complaint resolution."

The Commission added that it "rejects any discrimination or stereotyping on account of race, gender, social class, or any other protected ground, and will subject any perpetrator to the fullest weight of the law."