Guide dog handler ejected from Wetherspoons pub

A visually impaired man accompanied by his guide dog was asked to leave a Wetherspoons pub. This appears to be a breach of the handler's legal right to access public premises with a working assistance dog.

What the law says

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for a business to refuse entry or service to a disabled person because of their disability or assistance dog. Guide dogs are recognised working animals that must be permitted access to public places, including pubs and restaurants, provided they are under handler control.

If this happens to you

Request a written explanation from the venue for the refusal. Report the incident to Wetherspoons management and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Consider seeking legal advice, as this may constitute unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Source: mnrjournal.co.uk

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ADR
Written & reviewed by the ADR Team
Assistance Dog Registry, supporting UK assistance dog handlers since 2020

We're a UK-based team dedicated to assistance dog handlers. Since 2020 we've supplied 20,000+ assistance dog ID cards and supported thousands of handlers, owner-trained and charity-trained alike. Our guidance on the Equality Act 2010 and assistance dog access rights is referenced in UK public-sector accessibility policy and relied on by NHS staff, employers and carers. We're not a government body: registration is voluntary, and we'll always tell you so honestly. Learn more about us →  |  [email protected]

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