Guide dog owners report frequent access refusals across UK
6 reported
A letter published by The Guardian reports that guide dog owners in the UK face repeated refusals of entry to businesses and services, despite legal protections. The letter, written by Eleanor Briggs, head of policy at Guide Dogs, cites the experience of Joanne Hewitson from Hartlepool, who was asked for identification for her guide dog at a Wetherspoon’s pub and felt forced to leave. Briggs states that nearly 90% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a business or service, many repeatedly. She notes that such refusals occur at pubs, restaurants, taxis, shops, and essential services, even when business policies say assistance dogs are welcome. Briggs calls on the government to strengthen the Equality Act to explicitly prohibit businesses from refusing guide and other assistance dogs, and for service providers to give staff disability equality training.
What’s reported
Joanne Hewitson from Hartlepool was asked repeatedly for identification for her guide dog, Rosie, at a Wetherspoon’s pub and felt forced to leave.
Guide dog owners are refused entry or told to leave pubs, places to eat, taxis, shops, and essential services across the UK.
Almost 90% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a business or service because of their guide dog, many repeatedly.
The letter states that refusing guide dogs is nearly always illegal.
Some people with vision impairment have lost confidence and do not want another guide dog in the future.
Eleanor Briggs, head of policy at Guide Dogs, calls for strengthening the Equality Act and for staff disability equality training.
Key figures
Joanne Hewitson (guide dog owner from Hartlepool)
Eleanor Briggs (head of policy, public affairs and campaigns, Guide Dogs)
Sources: The Guardian
