Earls Restaurant Updates Sexualized Dress Code

A major B.C. restaurant chain has decided to update its dress code just as the Ontario Human Rights Commission calls for an end to sexualized dress codes.

Earls Restaurants issued a statement on Wednesday saying it will update the dress code for female servers at its restaurants. The company says a dress code is in place to allow for a consistent uniformity in look and they work with staff to create that look each year.

“Female servers have a suggested dress code, which has options to meet their comfort levels. They are not required to wear short skirts, skimpy clothing, heavy makeup or high heels,” said the company in a statement.

Earls goes on to say that many female servers choose themselves to wear high heels, but they may choose to wear a walking shoe or short boot if they wish.

“At this time, if they wish to, they are permitted as long as the shoes meet the safety requirements of a closed heel and toe,” the Vancouver based company said.

But shoes are not the only item of contention as uniforms are being called out as women are being forced to wear skirts while working and only allowed to wear pants if they request it.

“Employers must make sure their dress codes don’t reinforce sexist stereotypes,” said OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane. “They send the message that an employee’s worth is tied to how they look. That’s not right, and it could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.”

Earls says when it learned that it was in contravention of the Ontario Human Rights Code they issued the dress code update.

“Although our female service staff have a choice in what they wear, we understand that even our suggested dress code could be considered discriminatory as, although pants are allowed on request, the current suggested dress code is a black skirt, no shorter than one inch above the knee for women, where we should be wording our suggested dress code as a black skirt, no shorter than one inch above the knee or a straight cut plain black pant,” continued the statement from Earls.

The company says it will redesign its dress code for both male and female servers and the process will take about a year to implement.

It’s unclear if other major chains such as Moxie's, Cactus Club Café, Joey’s, or Original Joe’s will follow suit and make changes to their dress codes as well. But according to Ontario Human Rights Commission, forcing female employees to dress in high heels, tight dresses, low cut tops, and short skirts makes employees more vulnerable to sexual harassment and contributes to discriminatory work environments.

“Excellent customer service doesn’t have a cup size,” said Kathy Laird, Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. “I hope women will call us for legal help if cleavage is deemed an essential skill in their workplace.”