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JD Wetherspoon’s recent policy requiring disabled customers to show photo identification for their assistance dogs may potentially violate legal protections, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The pub chain, which has long prohibited dogs in its UK venues except for assistance animals, introduced this policy in May of last year. Customers entering with a dog must now present ID issued by Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), a charity that provides accreditation for assistance dogs.
Several disabled individuals have reported being challenged or denied service at Wetherspoon pubs when they were unable to produce this identification. Megan Stephenson, who is visually impaired and owns a guide dog, described feeling humiliated after being stopped by staff multiple times and asked for her dog’s ID, despite her dog clearly wearing a harness. She said, “I just felt so sick, so stressed.” Due to the repeated incidents, Stephenson has since avoided using Wetherspoon establishments.
Wetherspoon maintains that its policy is a lawful and appropriate adjustment to its no-dogs rule, which it introduced in response to rising cases of people attempting to gain entry with animals misrepresented as assistance dogs. The firm emphasizes its concern over safety after noting an increase in dog-related incidents in its pubs. It states, “Our pubs are large and very busy. Bearing in mind the significant increase in dog bites and hospitalisations, common sense indicates a clear need for documentary proof of training in our pubs.” The policy exempts trained guide dogs and assistance dogs accredited by ADUK member organizations.
On the other hand, the ADUK charity argues that requiring photo ID is not legally mandated and considers the policy discriminatory. Vicky Worthington, ADUK’s chief executive, noted that Wetherspoon had sought the charity’s advice beforehand but ultimately did not follow their recommendations. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has expressed concern following complaints from disabled patrons, confirming they have contacted Wetherspoon to remind the company of its legal responsibilities concerning the treatment of disabled customers with assistance dogs
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