A blind woman says she was asked to provide proof of her guide dog’s authenticity when she visited a Wetherspoons pub for breakfast in Hartlepool. Joanne Hewitson, 31, reported that she became upset and left the premises after staff demanded identification for her guide dog, Rosie. She described feeling “livid” and “shaking” following the incident. The pub chain has apologised, saying an error was made by staff at the Hartlepool location. The company’s spokesperson stated that the situation should not have occurred as described and that it is reviewing what happened. The account highlights how policies for assistance animals and requirements for verification can lead to disputes at venues, particularly when customers rely on guide dogs for mobility. No further details are provided in the available excerpts about any investigation, disciplinary action, or whether the dog’s credentials were ultimately checked. The response from Wetherspoons indicates the company treats the incident as a mistake and seeks to address it with staff.
Wetherspoons apologises after staff ask blind customer for guide dog’s ID
A blind woman says she was asked to provide proof of her guide dog’s authenticity when she visited a Wetherspoons pub for breakfast in Hartlepool. Joanne Hewitson, 31, reported that she became upset a...
- A blind woman, Joanne Hewitson, says Wetherspoons staff asked for proof of her guide dog’s authenticity.
- The incident takes place at a Wetherspoons pub in Hartlepool during a breakfast visit.
- Hewitson says she left the pub after the request and described feeling upset and shaken.
- Wetherspoons apologises for the incident, saying staff made an error.
- A Wetherspoons spokesperson indicates the company is reviewing what happened.
Chain apologises after staff at Hartlepool pub demand proof customer’s companion is genuine guide dogA blind woman felt compelled to leave a Wetherspoons pub after staff demanded proof that her guide dog, Rosie, was a genuine guide dog.Joanne Hewitson, 31, said she was “livid” and “shaking” after her experience going for breakfast at a pub in Hartlepool. The pub chain has apologised for the incident, with a spokesperson saying an error was made. Continue reading...
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