A 17-year-old handler experienced distress when Wetherspoons staff questioned whether their assistance dog was legitimate and attempted to refuse access. The incident caused significant upset to the young person.
What the law says
Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Assistance dogs are specifically protected, and venues cannot demand proof of legitimacy or refuse access based on appearance. Staff should only ask if it is an assistance dog and what tasks it performs if the dog's status is unclear.
If this happens to you
Report the incident to Wetherspoons management in writing with dates and staff details. If they do not resolve it satisfactorily, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission or consider advice from Citizens Advice. Keep records of all communication.
Source: Reading Chronicle
Free answers to any UK assistance dog rights question: ask the Rights Assistant.