People with Assistance Dogs should have fullest possible access to goods & services
The government is committed to ensuring that people with assistance dogs have the fullest possible access to goods and services. Assistance dogs are trained to help people with visual and hearing impairments, epilepsy, diabetes, physical mobility problems and more.
The Equality Act 2010 places an obligation on service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, which includes allowing access to assistance dogs and their owners. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Shops, restaurants, taxis, private hire vehicles (PHVs) and other everyday service providers that unlawfully refuse access to assistance dog owners, without specific reasons for exemption, will in most cases be guilty of disability discrimination which could result in payment of financial compensation.
It is an offence under the Equality Act for a taxi or PHV to refuse to carry a guide dog, hearing dog and many assistance dogs, or to charge extra for doing so. Where taxi or PHV drivers refuse assistance dogs without having a medical exemption certificate, they may be subject to court proceedings and a fine of up to £1,000 and licensing authorities are encouraged to impose sanctions.
For more information:
Assistance Dogs UK (a coalition of assistance dog organisations) has produced some general information for service providers:
https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/the-law/
Guide Dogs UK has also produced guidance for service providers, including taxis and PHV operators:
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaigning/our-current-campaigns/open-doors/
