The act outlawed discrimination on the "grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins" in public places in Great Britain.

The first conviction under the act came in October 1967, when a 17-year-old member of the National Socialist Party was found guilty of racial discrimination at Middlesex Area Sessions.

[1] The leader of the British National Socialist Movement, Colin Jordan, was also successfully prosecuted under the Act and jailed for 18 months in 1967.

"[9] The act specifically excluded shops and private boarding houses, only outlawing discrimination in "places of public resort."

The Race Relations Board was rather weak in its enforcement capabilities, being limited to conciliation and an assurance not to return to the discriminatory behavior.