Pub ‘culture change’ demanded by disability charity

New research by Leonard Cheshire shows 86% of disabled people face difficulties in pubs and bars.

The charity says its survey proves the pub trade is still not doing enough to make venues accessible to all, and emphasised its request for more to be done to accommodate all.

Nearly half of those surveyed (45%) said they had encountered negative attitudes from staff because of their disability, while only a little fewer of those surveyed (35%) said they have face negative attitudes from fellow patrons.

A lack of step-free access, inaccessible pub layouts and unhelpful attitudes from staff make up the primary complaints made anonymously by respondents. Some said they felt they were treated like a “health and safety risk”.

One respondent focused on pub layouts as limiting and problematic: “High up bars mean I can’t get served because [staff] can’t see me.

“Layout of tables is often very difficult to navigate in a wheelchair or lack of lowered seating means I can’t get to a table.”

Another cited their treatment by others: “People stand looking at you, blocking the way. [You have] difficulty hearing what is being said.”

Many felt less inclined to visit pubs and bars because of sour past experiences, and as a result feel left out from social occasions.

The charity has said a “culture change” is needed among both non-disabled customers and staff, especially surrounding those with invisible disabilities.

One respondent had said they feel “it is socially unacceptable to ask for a seat” despite experiencing chronic pain and being unable to stand for extended lengths of time.

Leonard Cheshire’s head of policy and campaigns, Husna Mortaza, said: “Pubs, bars and the public who use them need to do much more to allow disabled people to go out and socialise in the same way as non-disabled people.

“Pubs are part of our national tradition and nobody should be made to feel like they are not welcome. This isn’t just about drinking; pubs are a great way to get out and avoid social isolation.

“Disabled people shouldn’t miss out, during the holiday season or any other time of year.

“If pubs and bars take note, they also stand a chance to cash in on the £249 billion that the disabled person market, also known as the ‘purple pound’ is worth.”

Leonard Cheshire is understood to have contacted four of the leading pub and bar companies for information regarding accessibility for disabled people.

Only one replied (JD Wetherspoon), which said it was proud of its “Changing Places” facilities available in a number of their pubs, and were looking to add more in future.

“Our aim is to make each and every [disabled person] as welcome in our pubs as possible.”