Owners of Brooklyn's Welsh-themed Longbow had argued an 'intimate knowledge of British culture' was necessary for work
The owners of a Welsh-themed bar have agreed to pay a $2,500 (£1615) fine to the New York City Human Rights Commission after they posted a job advert which intimated British job applicants would have an advantage over people from other countries.
Michael and Jennifer Colbert, who own the Longbow Pub in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, were accused of discrimination after they advertised for a member of staff on Craigslist.
"Energetic and enthusiastic men and women with an appreciation of craft beer, good food, whisky and real football (aka soccer)," the advert said. "Being British definitely works in your favor."
The advertisement was spotted by the NYC Human Rights Commission in May, who said it was discriminatory "by giving a preference to employment applicants based on their national origin."
The Colberts – Michael is originally from Wales, Jennifer is American – had vowed to fight the charge, but said on Thursday they had agreed to pay the $2,500 settlement and undergo anti-discrimination training, according to reports.
The New York Times said the couple decided to settle on the day of their "conciliation meeting". The Colberts acted on the advice of their lawyer, the newspaper said. The Longbow was cited under the NYC Commission of Human Rights, which says advertisements may not discriminate on the basis of nationality.
The pair argued that to successfully recreate the aura of a British bar they needed staff with an understanding of British culture.
In a blogpost on the Longbow's website Jennifer Colbert appealed for donations to fight the charge.
"To work in a Welsh pub, isn't it obvious that a knowledge of Welsh and British culture is essential?," she said.
Colbert, who was not immediately available for comment, said the couple had told the Human Rights Commission that "to provide our customers with an authentic pub experience it was essential that our staff have intimate knowledge of British culture".
"We don't hire only Welsh and other Brits – half of our bar staff is American. What they all have in common is a deep understanding of British culture," she added.
"They all know that the Princess of Wales is not in fact Welsh, who St David is, and that the national sport of Wales is not football but rugby.
"The attorney for HRC countered that I could train someone in Welsh and British culture, a notion that is not only absurd but insulting to Welsh people and Brits everywhere."