A curry house has been forced to dish up £2,000 in compensation after refusing entry to a blind man because of his guide dog.
John Hardy was told by staff at an Indian restaurant he couldn't come in with dog Sidney because it would be "unhygienic".
Protesting their reasons, John said staff began addressing his son instead, leaving him further upset.
Instead John, who was looking forward to a meal with his son and granddaughter, walked away following the "embarrassing" conversation.
Bengal Spice in Williton, Somerset, has since been fined over the incident, which happened in September 2021.
Hospitality businesses are required under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to not put people with disabilities at a disadvantage, with guide dogs classed as one such adjustment.
After being refused by the restaurant, John, 66, sought legal action following advice from the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
“I tried to explain that I was blind and Sidney was a guide dog but he wouldn’t listen and said it was unhygienic to have a dog near the kitchen," said John.
“I eat out quite a bit and everybody knows Sidney locally, but when you walk into somewhere new, you are anxious and hyper aware, wondering if you will have to present your argument and explain why a guide dog is allowed into a restaurant."
A judge ruled in John's favour following a hearing at Taunton county court last month, with the judgement demanding the restaurant to pay £2,000 to him.
Lawyer Emily Monastiriotis, who took on John's case, said: “We are really pleased to have assisted Mr Hardy in successfully bringing a claim in respect of the discrimination he encountered on this occasion but we are aware of the ongoing discrimination faced by people living with a disability.
“We hope this sends a strong message that discrimination is unacceptable and reminds businesses of their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.”
Anita Marshall, specialist lead in RNIB’s legal rights service, said: “Unfortunately, cases of guide dog refusals like John experienced continue to be far from unusual, with restaurants and other service providers often oblivious to or ignoring the legislation.
“We were pleased to be able to work with Simmons & Simmons to bring this case and to see John vindicated in the judgement.
“Our Legal Rights team works tirelessly to challenge discrimination including access refusals and would encourage blind and partially sighted people to report incidents and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.”
