Edward has attended an event in Parliament run by the charity Guide Dogs to raise awareness of discrimination against guide dog owners. He heard from guide dog owners about the impact of being turned away by businesses because of their dog. He also collected a Christmas card with messages from constituents highlighting Guide Dogs’ Access All Areas campaign.
While it is against the law to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog except in the most exceptional circumstances, a Guide Dogs survey found that three quarters of assistance dog owners reported that they had been refused entry by businesses.
Edward said: “I was disappointed to hear about cases of guide dog owners being turned away by businesses. This isn’t just poor customer service; it’s wrong. Disabled people have the same rights as anyone else to shop, take a taxi or visit their local pub, and it is important that businesses recognise this and do everything they can to ensure people with guide dogs can access their premises and use their services.”
