Yellowknife (Apr 07/06) - A man has filed a human rights complaint accusing a city nightclub of racism.

Roger Deranger, a man of Dene descent, filed the racism complaint with the NWT Human Rights Commission on March 28. In the complaint, he says he was refused entry to the Raven Pub because of his ancestry and race at 12:30 a.m. St. Patrick's Day.

According to Deranger's written complaint, he was stopped by a bouncer who said that "I 'had enough.'"

Deranger told Yellowknifer he doesn't drink and neither uses drugs nor smokes cigarettes.

In his complaint, Deranger said he refused to leave the bar, saying he told the bouncer and a manager that he doesn't drink and that a bystander confirmed to the bar staff that he is a non-drinker. He also alleged in his claim that the manager told him he could not stay in the bar and only drink water and that an altercation ensured.

His complaint has not been proven by the NWT Human Rights Commission.

Raven Pub manager Jim Sturge said he didn't know about the complaint, but in his bar, "that is not the way it works."

"We don't take any issues against people in regard to human rights. If people working here deems someone to be or appear to be intoxicated, then they don't gain access," Sturge said.

He also said there is no such policy in the bar that states someone is not allowed to enter if they choose to drink water.

"No. That's never been a policy. It's not an issue," Sturge said.

Therese Boullard, director of the NWT Human Rights Commission, said she is unable to comment on any case pending within the commission. In general, when a person approaches the commission and describes their situation, he or she will then be advised on whether the matter falls under the Human Rights Act.

"If it does, they can initiate a complaint," Boullard said.

"From there we will notify the respondent and let them know the complaint has been filed," she said.

If the commission finds discrimination has taken place, a human rights panel can award financial compensation, and order the bar to cease discriminating against clients.

Depending on the resolution or complexity of the complaint, it can take between two months to a year for the process to be completed.