A disabled woman was asked to leave a pub despite having a legitimate assistance dog with her. The incident was captured on video and reported to local media.
What the law says
The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for a business to refuse entry or service to a disabled person on the basis of their disability. This protection explicitly extends to users of assistance dogs. Pubs are public places and service providers, and must make reasonable adjustments; refusing entry because of an assistance dog is discrimination unless genuine health and safety concerns exist and cannot be resolved.
If this happens to you
If asked to leave a pub because of your assistance dog, remain calm and explain your legal right to access under the Equality Act 2010. Request to speak to a manager. If refused, leave safely and gather witness details. Report the incident to the pub's head office and consider contacting your local Citizens Advice or the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Source: Daily Echo
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