British pubs failing disabled guests

More than 40% of British pubs are either difficult or impossible for disabled people to use, according to disability charity Leonard Cheshire.

In a recent report, which surveyed 100 sites, the group found disabled customers were unable to get into one in six pubs (16%).

In a quarter of cases (26%), disabled drinkers were only able to enter with the help of staff.

The findings come despite the fact that pubs and bars have been legally required to provide an accessible service under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) since October 2004.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "Is it too much to ask that disabled people are able to take part in the same social opportunities as everyone else?"

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Multiple Licensed Retailers, said: "I don't think the pub industry has anything to reproach itself for in general. If Leonard Cheshire pointed out where the problems were, the operators would no doubt remedy them."

The survey also found that 58% of venues did not have disabled parking, less than a third had a bar at an accessible height for wheelchair users, and 45% did not have menus in a large, easily readable format.

By Tom Bill

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