Research shows pubs are welcoming guide dogs
Close to half of all guide dog owners say they have had a good experience in a pub, according to new research from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA).
But one in ten guide dog owners said they had been refused access to a pub, or have been unhappy with the standard of service. GDBA is launching a new campaign, called 'Open Your Doors', to highlight how businesses can best serve guide dog owners, and dispel misconceptions about guide dogs.
The charity plans to reward good practice by presenting Open Your Doors certificates to businesses nominated by blind and partially sighted customers who have been particularly pleased with the service they have received.
Tom Pey, GDBA director of policy, explained: "The Open Your Doors campaign aims to help pubs offer a first class service to guide dog owners. We also want to reassure publicans that guide dogs are trained to the highest standards and the Institute of Environmental Health Officers have said they should pose no threat to hygiene."
A pocket-sized reference guide offering practical tips on how to provide a quality service for visually impaired people is available free on 0118 983 8379. Further details can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk/access
Key results from the survey:
- 62 per cent of pubs expressed concerns about accepting guide dogs
- 9 per cent of pubs have not heard of the Disability Discrimination Act, while a further 16% do not understand it
- 45 per cent of pubs have no company policy or services to help visually impaired customers
- 44 per cent of guide dog owners say they have had a particularly good experience in a pub
- 12 per cent of guide dog owners have been refused entry to, or experienced problems with the standard of service they have received in a pub.
