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Written question asked by Neil Hudson (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 (named day). It was answered by Stuart Andrew (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 on behalf of the Government Equalities Office.

Guide Dogs

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that users of guide dogs are not refused entry to public establishments.

Answer

No one should be refused access to businesses or services because they use a guide or other assistance dog. Ignorance of the law is not a defence.

Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses and public bodies that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people, including those with assistance dogs.

The Act places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services. This could include allowing the use of assistance dogs so that disabled customers have the same access to goods and services and are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
905239
Session
2022-23
Question not reached
Yes
Subjects
Guide dogs Public buildings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk