Businesses Break The Law By Denying Access to Guide Dogs

Many businesses across the United Kingdom, by denying the partially sighted and blind access with their guide dogs are breaking the law.

According to the latest data from Guide Dogs for the blind, ordinary shops, transport services and cafes are refusing access to the guide dog owners.

Restaurants were the worst offenders with 24 per cent of reported incidents and 60 per cent of all refusals. Public transport was the second worst offender with nearly a quarter of all reports with taxi’s in particular soaking up two thirds of those complaints.

The law of the land requires vendors to allow guide dogs access to their businesses how ever the latest figures show that many people simply ignore this with refusals a common feature of the world we live in. Guide Dogs for the Blind says complaints have risen by more than a third compared to the previous year.

9 per cent of all complaints were made against retailers which is particularly concerning considering the latest research suggests that 82 per cent of the partially sighted and blind thought they need help whilst shopping.

“More awareness is needed to avoid blind and partially sighted people having to cope with this stress and discrimination in their daily lives. Although business owners are often eager to comply when we speak to them, our report shows that the situation is very different on the ground. Our research takes into account proactive complaints we have received, meaning the findings we have here could represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everyday experiences of the community. We feel that more of the problems come down to poor training or ignorance of the law, and call on all organisations to ensure guide dog partnerships are welcome everywhere, anytime.” Richard Leaman, CEO of Guide Dogs, said.

Church of St Laurence, Northfield – No Dogs Except Guide Dogs – sign by ell brown, on Flickr