'Misinterpreted' | 'Air kissing' a colleague isn't sexual harassment, tribunal rules

A former whisky bar employee’s claim of sexual harassment, involving allegations of an “air kiss” by her manager, has been dismissed by an employment tribunal.

The tribunal, which also addressed claims of race harassment and unfair dismissal, ultimately ruled against the claimant, citing inconsistencies in the evidence.

The case was brought by Miss J Chen, a former employee at the specialist whisky bar and shop operated by Cut Your Wolf Loose Ltd. in Brighton. The small bar, known for its focus on rare whiskies, employed only five staff members during Ms Chen’s tenure.

The allegations of sexual harassment arose in late 2021, shortly after Ms Chen began her employment. She accused her manager, Mr P de Newtown, of kissing her intimately on the neck on two separate occasions when he walked her home after their shifts.