MPs across Westminster were invited to speak to guide dog users at a parliamentary reception organised by the charity Guide Dogs and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson in support of the Open Doors campaign to tackle access refusal.
Recent research conducted by Guide Dogs found that 81% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant, shop, or taxi at some point because they were with their dog. And of these people, almost three in four (73%) said they experienced an access refusal at least once in the past 12 months. These refusals have a significant negative impact on the confidence, independence and wellbeing of people who have guide dogs.
It is illegal as part of the Equality Act 2010 to deny access to a guide dog user, moreover, it is a deeply harmful form of discrimination – despite this, 47% of retail staff and 19% of hospitality staff were unaware that it is illegal. However, the onus is on the guide dog owners themselves to pursue discrimination cases through the courts, which is notoriously difficult and places a great deal of stress upon guide dog owners.
In his previous role as Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin was approached about the same issue – specifically in relation to taxis. Speaking at the event, Justin explained how a simple tweak to the legislation meant that it became the licensing committee who could pursue a discrimination case, rather the individual who had been denied access by a taxi driver. By making it a clear part of their licence, awareness significantly increased, and compliance increased as it became obvious that action would be taken.
Speaking at the reception, Justin Tomlinson MP said: “We need to apply the same principle to shops, restaurants, and cafes. This would tackle the poor awareness and let the minority of poor business owners who continue to refuse guide dogs know that action could easily be taken. This is a win-win. The problem is the lack of awareness, rather than people knowingly discriminating. With nearly half of guide dog owners actively changing plans on which places to avoid, those very businesses are missing out on their custom.”
Chris Theobald, Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs said:
“Guide dog owners have the right to live their lives the way they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world. The law is clear, and yet guide dog owners continue to experience access refusals, which are almost always illegal.
“That’s why we’re working to make sure everyone knows that guide dog owners have the right to access businesses and services with their guide dogs. We also want to see the law strengthened on access rights for assistance dogs, to prevent access refusals and to open doors for guide dogs.”
