Elanor Maxey, who requires the assistance of her dog Genie, was stopped by security at Asda's Bexleyheath branch, where she was told she couldn't enter without presenting a service dog ID.
Such identification does not exist in the UK, and Ms Maxey pointed this out, sparking a disagreement.
Dog ID
Ms Maxey shared her experience online, explaining she was also asked for a dog license, which has not been required for decades. The situation escalated when a security guard reportedly attempted to take her phone after realising she was recording the exchange.
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In the video, Ms Maxey asked the guard to back off, explaining the stress was causing her pain.
Apology from store
Asda has since apologised and overturned the ban, stating they welcome assistance dogs in all stores and will remind staff of this policy. Social media users voiced their support for Ms Maxey, criticising the treatment she received.
An Asda spokesperson acknowledged the incident fell short of their standards and expressed regret for Ms Maxey's experience.
@ellsthefair PART 1. Today Genie and I have now been officially banned from every @Asda in Britain simply because my didn't present her "Service ID" (something that doesn't exist). I also was asked for my dog licence... something that hasn't ever existed within my lifetime! They also claim I was rude (it's all recorded) and breached the Data Protection Act by recording staff. I was in more of a state as i already was dizzy which is why i was popping in just for a sandwich. because of this I am just so thankful there were some brave people who tried to advocate for me and while the store ignored them it's wonderful to know there are kind people who will speak up when they see human rights being violated. I later spoke to police who have told me to file a report as it is discrimination to ban someone for not presenting ID if they have an Assistance Dog. They also cannot ban someone for being "rude" and it is entirely legal to record in any space where a member of public has a right of access. She also had no right to grab at me and my phone. If you have any questions feel free to ask and i will help where i can. This is the most recent guide which outlines the rights Assistance Dogs have within the UK. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/assistance-dogs-guide-businesses-and-service-providersPART 1. Today Genie and I have now been officially banned from every Asda in Britain simply because my didn't present her "Service ID" (something that doesn't exist). I also was asked for my dog licence... something that hasn't ever existed within my lifetime! They also claim I was rude (it's all recorded) and breached the Data Protection Act by recording staff. I was in more of a state as i already was dizzy which is why i was popping in just for a sandwich so I am just so thankful there were some brave people who tried to advocate for me and while the store ignored them it's wonderful to know there are kind people who will speak up when they see human rights being violated. I later spoke to police who have told me to file a report as it is discrimination to ban someone for not presenting ID if they have an Assistance Dog. They also cannot ban someone for being "rude" and it is entirely legal to record in any space where a member of public has a right of access. She also had no right to grab at me and my phone. If you have any questions feel free to ask and i will help where i can. This is the most recent guide which outlines the rights Assistance Dogs have within the UK. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/assistance-dogs-guide-businesses-and-service-providers #disability #disabledcommunity #disabilityawareness #equalityforall #equalityact #humanrights #discrimination #disabilityadvocate #security #securityguard #asda #asdawareness #asdageorge #assistancedog #assistancedogsoftiktok #workingdog #wheelchair #servicedog #mobilitydog #alertdog #disability #disabledcommunity #disabilityawareness #equalityforall #equalityact #humanrights #discrimination #disabilityadvocate #security #securityguard #asda #asdawareness #asdageorge #assistancedog #assistancedogsoftiktok #workingdog #wheelchair #servicedog #mobilitydog #alertdog ♬ original sound - Ellsthefair
