One third of pubs still not equipped for disabled
Shock new research shows that more than a third of small businesses are still ignorant of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) found that awareness of the DDA among small employers has risen only slightly over the past year, from 58 per cent to 63 per cent.
The results suggest that almost four out of 10 pubs are still unaware of their legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to make their premises and facilities accessible to disabled customers.
The DWP figures tally with the findings of The Publican Market Report 2005, published last month. The survey found that almost one year on from the main provisions of the DDA coming into effect, just over a third of pubs (37 per cent) still have no disabled customers, while only 23 per cent had made any alterations to their building to comply with the DDA.
Pubs that have acted on the DDA provisions have reported positive results.
The Litten Tree in Hereford has produced a Braille version of its menu aimed primarily at students from the nearby Royal National College for the Blind. Manager Rebecca Elson said: "Customers are generally shocked at first, and then very pleased, to learn that they don't need someone to read them the menu. It's been a successful move."
Other initiatives aimed at disabled customers launched by the pub include easy-grip cutlery and pens.
At the JW Lees-owned Spring Inn in Rochdale, structural alterations have made the older parts of the building as accessible to wheelchair users as the more recently-added restaurant extension, while bar and waiting staff have been trained in basic sign language.
Manageress Carol Holden said: "We now advertise to nursing homes and similar establishments. Disabled customers can have a dedicated member of staff to look after them. It's definitely brought in new business."
What the DDA means for you
Under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, which became law on October 1, 2004, service providers need to make "reasonable adjustments" to meet the needs of disabled people.
For pubs, that means not only ensuring that the building is physically accessible - in itself quite a challenge in a building that may be centuries-old - but also in making sure staff are aware of the needs of disabled customers.
For further advice visit www.disability.gov.uk.
