It's illegal here but I think people find ways around it.
For example Filipina Nannies are very popular and in London. My Wife replied to a job advert that was asking for Tagalog speaking Nanny/Housekeeper. The family are all English and have absolutely no interest in Tagalog.
Hollister are also well known as only employing "pretty people". I've heard my daughters and their friends discussing it. Don't bother applying for a job there unless your Size 12 or below and extremely pretty.
So I think over here it's a case of you can do it but just don't advertise it.