A Glasgow bar has been accused of branding a wheelchair customer a "safety risk" and refusing to let him in.
Stephen Raeside says he's "disgusted" after being given a knockback from Slouch on Bath Street at the weekend.
The 28-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, claims concerns over stairs at the basement venue were given as reason for turning him away, Lanarkshire Live reports.
The Rutherglen man socialises regularly in the city centre and says with the help of his friends, stairs have never been a problem, he was even allowed into the same venue a few weeks earlier with no problem.
He said: "I tried explaining to the guys that I go to Cathouse nightclub every other week and can manage stairs with help from my friends, but the answer was still no.
"If they thought I was too drunk and didn't want to let me in that's fine, but I'm disgusted that this bar essentially used my disability as an excuse not to allow me into the premises.
"What makes it even worse is that I attended this establishment a month prior for a friend's birthday and had no issue then.
"I hope they are aware that it is a legal requirement to have disabled access in the pub or to find a way to accommodate disabled people."
The Equality Act 2010 says changes or adjustments should be made to ensure people can access places such as bars and restaurants.
Under the Equality Act, a lack of accessibility for both disabled employees and members of the public in your premises can be considered discrimination.
Stephen emailed the bar and asked for an explanation.
General manager Kieran Hughes told him: "We have spoken to all parties involved and the common consent was that your party were refused entry due to it being too busy and a few of the members had been drinking.
"It was 12.45am and the venue was full. Since covid we have made it a policy that any party of 6 or more should book ahead to avoid disappointment, unfortunately, we never had room for 8 on this busy bank holiday Sunday.
"We know you’ve enjoyed our Slouch experience before and we want you to enjoy it again.
"Our venue has operated for over 20 years now and we have done everything reasonably possible for all disabled access.
"As it is a listed Victorian basement we cannot fit a lift and our health and safety procedures state clearly that wheelchair access is welcomed, along with a buddy system consisting of sober and responsible adults as we can’t be responsible for carrying anyone in and out the premises.
"We are genuinely sorry that your experience wasn’t your usual Slouch experience and hope this hasn’t caused you too much stress or anxiety. Please when you want to return, contact me directly and we will have a great night waiting for you."
