Blind Woman Barred from Morrisons with Guide Dog Against Equality Laws

A blind woman named Caroline tried to visit a store. It was a Morrisons Daily in Canterbury. The owner refused her entry with her guide dog. This happened despite equality laws that protect her.

Caroline uses a guide dog named Dougie. Shop windows had signs banning dogs, one even mentioning the owner’s “severe” allergies. Morrisons bosses say this should not have occurred, though the local manager insists on banning guide dogs.

Caroline has very limited vision due to a condition. She hoped the store was safer than others, as other stores needed her to cross busy roads. She wanted a safer place to shop with Dougie.

She entered the store, led by Dougie. The man behind the counter stopped her and said “no dogs” when she walked inside. Dougie wore his harness, showing he was working.

Caroline stood her ground and refused to leave. She explained they were breaking the law and couldn’t deny her access. But the employee would not listen to her despite her explanation, and asked her to leave.

Caroline was nearly in tears, stating it was intimidating and discriminatory. She worries about future refusals, which damages her confidence. Eventually, a friend bought her needed items.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission weighed in, noting employers must minimize allergic workers’ contact with dogs. However, banning service dogs is likely unreasonable. Caroline has been registered blind since 2003, suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, a disease causing vision loss. She now lacks any peripheral sight.

Having Dougie has greatly improved her confidence. She got Dougie six years ago, and he changed her life. He restored her independence and became her best friend.

Caroline contacted the Guide Dogs Charity, who confirmed denying entry was illegal. The Charity said this refusal hurts her confidence. A survey showed 88% of guide dog owners face access refusals, despite being mostly illegal.

Assistance dogs are a “reasonable adjustment” legally, and refusing this adjustment breaks equality law. Morrisons apologized for the incident, but the store manager maintains the ban. A Morrisons spokesperson said everyone is truly welcome, and they are investigating and reaching out to Caroline. The store is a franchise, complicating resolution actions.

The shop manager claimed allergies prevent Dougie’s entry. They offered a staff member to shop instead.