Surely this is discrimination?

[Alfiecatfus]

So my husband was looking to join our local golf club and gym.
I have attached their price list.
Surely pricing on age 20-29, 30-39 etc., is discrimination? Or AIBU?
I cannot think of any logical explanation for them needing to do this, but if someone can explain this to me I am listening!

Subsidise youngsters to encourage them to join to get young blood in.

Wanting to attract younger people to golf maybe? Younger people tending to be on a lower income

I think it's pretty obvious Younger people earn less money so this will help encourage them to join surely

My dps golf club is similar, it's to get the young folk in so the club will keep going.

It's not illegal as its a private club.

Of course it's not discrimination, what an overreach. As others have said, it's because young people generally earn less money. Another example would be rail cards which give discounts to young people aged 16-30.

I assumed this too. What do 40+ pay?

I much prefer this to the usual situation which is discounts for older people who are likely to be wealthier and with less outgoings than younger people.

I'd imagine they are using the 'commercial exemption' that allows for discounted rates to be offered to meet business needs. For example, attracting people to golf at a younger age with the aim of having them as customers for longer.

Most do this to attract young people. I think it’s fair, they are generally working and don’t play as much whereas the old codgers are out there everyday getting their moneys worth (rightly so!)

Over 65s are going to use it more as they’re usually retired so that makes sense. (They’re also the ones who have all the money, thanks to their cheap houses they were able to buy years ago on only one salary…🤐)

Golf clubs are desperate to get younger members in. I don’t think you would legally get this to count as discrimination but may be wrong!

Under discrimination law, you can treat different ages (and sex etc.) differently if there's an objective justification to achieve a legitimate aim - and that it's proportionate. In this case, I guess the golf club would the pricing structure is proportionate means of a legitimate aim - to attract younger members to ensure the club's future. The Equality Act allows this - which is why free bus passes can be given to a certain age group, travel discounts to young people, minimum ages limits can be set for alcohol purchase etc.

In addition they are usually more likely to benefit from age related discounts than young folk!

Lots of theatres have special deals for under 25s to encourage them to get the habit. Ditto young person's railcards. Do you also complain about discounts for children and for the over 60s?

Well of all the discrimination I was expecting to see opposing this post... A golf club wasn't on my list.

Mainly because it's not discrimination

The thing about having different prices for different ages is that, in theory - obviously depending on when the facility was/is/will be available and notwithstanding people who sadly die young or become too incapacitated to continue - almost everybody will pay the same overall if they stay in it for the long term.

Unlike, say, charging a higher or lower fee for people of a particular sex or racial heritage, which will never change for the rest of their lives.

None of those 20-29yos will be able to avoid paying an extra tenner once they turn 30; however if you treat this as a very extended cheaper 'introductory offer', they will (the club hopes) still be members and paying (at the higher rate) for maybe another 60+ years. None of those who are pensioners now will still be members and faithfully paying the club every month in 60 years' time!

They also have less leisure time, compared to older retired people, so they'd likely not be using the facilities as often (especially during working hours).

It also 'discriminates against' all of the people who can't afford the monthly membership fee and all of the phenomenally expensive necessary golfing paraphernalia!!

That's just life.

But being poor is not a protected characteristic (age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, religion, maternity, gender reassignment) so discrimination doesn't apply.
As a PP said, it isn't that this case is not discrimination. It is - discrimination based on age. But you can discriminate if there is an objective justification.

No, indeed - that's why I put 'discriminates against' in inverted commas!

I was trying to point out that golf club members - in their 30s or above - are probably not the most underprivileged people in society!

Yes it absolutely is age discrimination.

It’s still illegal even if a private club. They are not exempt from the equality act.

No it's not illegal, they can set their own prices and the differing prices can be justified. Not discrimination.

Protest quietly and go to another club.