Scott Bailey was recently visiting London with his family and his guide dog, Milo.
Scott suffers from diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. While he can see lights and shapes, he relies heavily on his Golden Retriever to get around.
Staff members unaware of equality act
While in London, he went shopping in a Sainsbury’s in Paddington. He was quickly approached by a staff member who, despite seeing Milo’s special guide dog harness, said dogs were’t allowed. When Scott explained that Milo was a guide dog, and was allowed to be in a store, the staff member simply repeated that dogs weren’t allowed.
Later that week, a very similar experience happened at a Wagamama’s - in Paddington too.
Guide dogs in the UK
These experiences have infuriated and deeply saddened Scott. He has taken to social media to share his experiences, and of course, he is not alone. In fact, research shows that 75% of assistance dog owners in the UK have been refused access to restaurants, shops, or taxis.
Sainsbury’s and Wagamama’s have since released statements apologising for Scott’s experience, assuring everyone that they strictly follow the 2010 equality act, and that the events are being investigated.
We wish Scott the best during this tumultuous time!
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