A blind customer was reportedly escorted from a Wetherspoon pub despite being accompanied by their guide dog. The incident raises questions about the chain's understanding of disability access rights and guide dog legislation.
What the law says
Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and cannot refuse service based on disability. Guide dogs are working animals with a legal right of access to public premises under the same Act. Refusing entry to a guide dog handler without legitimate safety concerns constitutes unlawful discrimination.
If this happens to you
If refused entry with a guide dog, ask for the manager and explain your legal right of access under the Equality Act 2010. Request the reason in writing and consider reporting to the Equality and Human Rights Commission or seeking advice from your guide dog charity.
Source: Somerset Live
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