THE OWNERS OF an off-licence in Draperstown, Co Derry have said they will not discriminate against customers over race or nationality, after controversy over a sign on the premises.

Regional Wines sparked the row with a sign on the shop’s front door reading: “Due to theft, foreign nationals must produce ID”.

The North’s Equality Commission contacted the store’s owners John and Breda McKenna after reports of the sign emerged. The Commission said today that the McKennas have now given a voluntary undertaking that they will “not discriminate on racial grounds in the provision of goods facilities or services”.

Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Commission, said they were working positively with Regional Wines.

“The Race Relations Order makes it quite clear that it is unlawful to discriminate on grounds of race or nationality,” she said, adding that the notice “could be read as indicating an intention to treat people differently on grounds of their national origin, and as such is likely to be contrary to the law.”