October 22nd 2024.
Recently, a disturbing incident took place at the Asda store in Bexleyheath, southeast London. Elanor Maxley, who is disabled, shared her experience on social media. According to Elanor, she was told by a security guard that she couldn't enter the store with her service dog and was subsequently banned from all Asda stores.
Elanor explained that when she arrived at the store, a security guard stopped her and asked to see her ID or a dog licence for her assistance dog, Genie. She was shocked and confused because, as she later discovered, assistance dogs are not legally required to have a licence. Despite her attempts to explain this to the security guard, she was still denied entry.
Feeling frustrated and discriminated against, Elanor took to TikTok to share the footage of the incident and bring attention to the issue. In her video, she expressed her disappointment in being banned from every Asda store in the country simply because she didn't have a "Service ID" for her dog, something that doesn't even exist. She also mentioned being asked for a dog licence, which she has never needed in her lifetime.
But the mistreatment didn't stop there. According to Elanor, she was accused of being rude and violating the Data Protection Act by recording the staff. This only added to her already distressed state, as she was only planning on quickly popping in for a sandwich while feeling dizzy. However, she was grateful for the kind individuals who stood up for her and her rights, even though the store ignored them.
Thankfully, after receiving an apology from Asda, Elanor and Genie are now allowed back in the store. Asda confirmed that her ban had been rescinded and apologized for her experience. They also stated that they are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all customers, including those with assistance dogs. As a matter of urgency, they will be reminding their staff of this policy.
It's important to note that, according to the Equality Act, it is illegal to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog, except in exceptional circumstances. In cases like this, only a court can determine the lawfulness of the refusal based on the specific circumstances. Asda has acknowledged their mistake and is taking steps to ensure that this does not happen again.
In other news, London has recently been named the "best" commuter spot, although there is a catch. A seal was spotted sunbathing in central London, and a giant illuminated sphere has found a new home after being rejected by Londoners. To keep up with the latest news in the capital, be sure to visit The Agency's London news hub. As for Asda, they have recognized their mistake and are working towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers.
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