The Aberdeen Law Project (“ALP”) is pleased to report that it has been able to successfully secure a four-figure sum for their client who had been subjected to disability discrimination.
This client was referred to the Aberdeen Law Project by the Royal National Institute for the Blind after being denied entry to a restaurant with her registered guide dog.
Lead advisor Hannah Bartlett and the team at ALP applied to the Sheriff Court on behalf of the client after all attempts to solve the issue amicably were unsuccessful. Hannah and the team successfully secured a four-figure settlement for the client due to the discrimination received plus court expenses. The restaurant has since amended its website to state that guide dogs are permitted throughout the venue and has trained its staff on the Equality Act 2010.
The client said: “Throughout the whole process, Hannah was an absolute delight to liaise with. She kept us duly informed along all the legal stages and processes and gave us the confidence to progress our case.
We are extremely happy with our outcome. ALP managed to get the [restaurant] to change their policy, that guide dogs and assistance dogs have access to all communal areas of their [establishment]. We managed to clarify a point of Scots law for guide dog access refusals using the ‘Simple Procedure’, which will hopefully remove any ambiguity for any future access refusal cases. Our message to other disabled persons whom may unfortunately experience discrimination is to take photographic and/ or video evidence and obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses…”
Lead advisor, Hannah Bartlett said: “The process was challenging but I am thrilled with the outcome and hope that it encourages other guide dog owners to challenge unfavourable treatment or discrimination. The result was the product of numerous individuals' time and effort, but I want to give a special thanks to Candace Ford, Isabel Addy, and our volunteer supervisors who worked with me on this case from start to finish. This case shows the importance of catering to all individuals in our society and that there are routes available under the Scottish legal system to resolve such issues of discrimination.”
Anita Marshall, Specialist Lead for the Legal Rights Service at RNIB said: “Cases of guide dog refusals continue to be far from unusual because too many hotels and other service providers are still oblivious to, or ignoring the legislation... We hope this outcome sends a strong message that discrimination is unacceptable and reminds businesses of their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.”
If you have been subject to discrimination and cannot afford a solicitor, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential conversation to see if we can help. If we are unable to act on your behalf, we will endeavour to recommend another organisation or law firm that is able to assist you. Please contact us by phone (01224 272 434) or by email (representation@abdnlawproject.com).
ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.
