Blind Teenager and Guide Dog Denied Entry to Subway Outlet

A blind adolescent reported feeling “horrified and embarrassed” after being denied access to a sandwich establishment due to the presence of his guide dog, Pilot. Robbie Lee, aged 19, recounted attempting to place an order for food at the Subway branch located on Vicar Lane in Leeds when a manager instructed him to “get out with the dog”. The 2010 Equality Act stipulates that it is unlawful to deny entry to a disabled individual accompanied by their guide dog, unless specific exceptional circumstances apply. Mr. Lee stated that Subway subsequently issued an apology to him, and a spokesperson communicated via email that personnel at the specific location were undergoing retraining. Mr. Lee indicated that the event occurred in October during his lunch break from Leeds City College, where he is pursuing studies in backstage theatre. He recounted, “I walked across to grab a sandwich, but as soon as I got in the shop he came over and said I couldn’t be inside with my dog.” Mr. Lee explained that he requested to speak with the manager, only to discover that the employee he was addressing was, in reality, the person responsible for the establishment. “I told him it was a service dog. I even brought up the legislation on my phone, but he didn’t care,” Mr. Lee stated. Kev Lee, Mr. Lee’s father, reported that he filed a formal complaint with Subway following the occurrence, expressing his anger that his son’s independence had been compromised. He commented, “He was forced to wait outside for his food, and this sort of thing happens to blind people all the time.” He further questioned, “There’s even a sign on the door at Subway that says service dogs are allowed. Surely everyone knows guide dogs are allowed?” Kev Lee confirmed that Subway had subsequently apologized to his son through email, indicating that staff would undergo retraining. Additionally, both the father and son received an offer for a complimentary “foot-long” sandwich upon their next visit to the store, presented “as a gesture of goodwill.” Nevertheless, Kev Lee expressed that the response was insufficient. He remarked, “It’s insulting if they think discrimination against a disabled person is only as serious as offering a free sandwich.” He added, “It’s just not good enough. This affects people’s mental health and makes them feel rejected in society.” A 2022 study conducted for the Guide Dogs charity revealed that 76% of individuals with guide dogs had encountered access refusal at businesses or services, with approximately half (49%) reporting that they had altered or limited their activities due to concerns about being confronted or denied entry. Maqsood Sheikh, who serves as the senior regional campaigns officer for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, conveyed his disappointment regarding Mr. Lee’s experience, yet noted that he was not astonished by the occurrence. He stated, “We know three-quarters of all blind people are experiencing refusals, not just in fast-food restaurants, but in taxis, hotels, pubs – everywhere. “It’s a widespread and growing problem because too many hospitality staff and retail staff still don’t understand the law.” Robbie Lee, who has only been able to perceive light and shade since losing his vision during toddlerhood, asserted that blind individuals are entitled to equal treatment as all others. He declared, “We are still human and we don’t want to be discriminated against.” Kev Lee advised, “To anyone else suffering discrimination because of disability you need to be strong about it: report it and raise awareness so businesses are forced to take action.” Subway has not yet provided a response to the BBC’s request for a statement. Access selected content from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, view the most recent installment of Look North, or submit a story for potential coverage here. All rights reserved, Copyright 2024 BBC. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available for review.