A Tyrone man with 15 years of experience as a barman, waiter, and back-of-house work in Ireland, London, and New York, claims he cannot get a job because he does not have any tattoos.

Liam McMahon, who has also enjoyed stints as a travel writer, told the BBC that the perception of food these days has changed that much that unless waiters are “covered in stupid tattoos” they will not be suitable for the hospitality industry.

Mr McMahon told us:

“I turned up alongside three other people for a job at the Cappuchino Room in Coalisland yesterday, and I was literally the only one of us who had actually worked as a waiter. One lad was straight out of prison, complete with teardrop tattoos under his eyes, swallows where his thumb met his index finger and spiderwebs on his elbows. Needless to say I didn’t get the job”

Mr McMahon, a native of Beragh, told us that this inability to get work in the field in which he is experienced has led to serious strain on his relationship. His fiancée said to him that he should draw tattoos on with a biro until he gets hired somewhere, and then wash them off afterwards. As a principled man, he has refused to do so.

“It’s a sad day when Conor McGregor, or that lad from that x-files episode at the carnival, is better placed to get work taking orders and serving food that a man with several years experience at some of the world’s best known restaurants just because of what is currently in vogue. I mean where will it end?”

We have approached the Equality Commission for comment.