Local MP Responds To Guide Dog Controversy In Chiswick Restaurant

Ruth Cadbury says local businesses need to be aware of the law

Local MP Ruth Cadbury has responded to the controversy over the non admittance of a guide dog and its owner to Chiswick restaurant Annapurna.

The resident complained after she and her friends were refused entry three weeks ago, by a member of staff who said no dogs were allowed. The restaurant has since apologised and offered a free meal to the local.

Ruth Cadbury said “I would like to thank local resident, Blue Ryan for raising this important issue of human rights.

"I am appalled to still be hearing stories users of guide dogs and other specially trained assistive dogs being denied services, whether in shops, restaurants and taxis. The law is very clear on this but too often it isn’t being obeyed. I have signed up as a supporter of the Guide Dogs’ Access All Areas Campaign, which aims to ensure that all taxis, including private hire taxis are legally required to carry guide dogs. There was a Parliamentary debate in November on the Disability Equality Training Bill led by Andrew Gwynne MP, as well as questions in Parliament to ensure that all taxi and minicab drivers have disability equality training. I also attended a meeting in November, just prior to Andrew Gwynne MP's debate with users of guide dogs, who told me how too often they were refused access to restaurants and taxis whilst with their dogs.

"I have also written to the Annapurna to inform them about the law, and will do what I can to ensure that our local businesses are aware of the law around Guide Dogs and other trained assistive dogs.

"Additionally, a number of guide dog users, have been issued with dog owner access cards, which provide a free hotline number that can be used if refusals at pubs or restaurants are encountered."

Lexy the guide dog refused entry

The Equality Act and Disability Discrimination Act provides for blind and partially sighted
people to have the same right to services such as restaurants, pubs and cafes as
everyone else. It includes a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people can access services. This includes amending a ‘no dogs’ policy to allow guide dogs and
other assistance dogs.

December 22, 2016