Regulation change offers new guidance on disabled needs
An amendment to British Standards should make it clearer for licensees and pubcos to meet disabled customers' needs. The BSI Business Information has amended its BS 8300:2001 regulation which gives standards on the design of buildings to meet the needs of disabled people.
The newly amended standard provides guidance on good practice in the design of domestic and non-domestic buildings.
This will be important for any pub company or licensee making alterations to their premises or building a new pub.
The standard explains how access approaches from construction and accommodation can be adapted for disabled people.
Under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, which came into force on October 1 last year all service providers need to make "reasonable adjustments" to meet the needs of disabled people.
That can mean anything from Braille menus and accessible toilets to a wheelchair lift.
If operators are found not to be meeting the needs of disabled customers they could face prosecution and unlimited fines.
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations (FLVA), said: "Licensees can do their own audit on their existing premises, taking into account the needs of disabled customers.
"The FLVA published its own booklet on how to make premises accessible. Licensees should already have done their audit on what is reasonable."
- Licensees or pub companies can purchase the recommendations from BSI in several formats which cost from between £91 to £230. Go to www.bsi-global.com for more information.
BS 8300 applies to:
- Car parking provision
- Setting down points
- Access routes
- Entrances to and interiors of new buildings
- Routes to recreational facilities such as patios and picnic areas.
It includes:
- Sanitary devices
- Handrails
- Lighting
- Door closers.
