I WAS pleased to hear the recommendation by a House of Lords Select Committee (on the Equality Act 2010 and Disability) that restaurants, pubs and clubs which do not provide facilities for disabled customers should be shut down. This continues the Lords’ support for disability issues, and we are grateful in particular to Lord Hunt and Lord Prior for their continued support of The British Polio Fellowship and its members on issues relating to Post Polio Syndrome (PPS).
Although the idea of non-compliant business closure was first floated in March, we are yet to hear of any legislation which ensures this happens. While almost all venues pay lip service to accessibility, it is all too common to see authorities failing to follow through on disability compliance issues.
Given the value of the ‘purple pound’ is estimated at £212bn, restaurants, pubs and clubs are not only discriminating, but perversely harming their own business too.
We must commend the thousands of venues who do follow through on their obligations to those with accessibility needs. But sadly, in the absence of voluntary adoption of best practice in accessibility across the board, we may need the carrot and stick approach to deliver change.
If you would like more information about The British Polio Fellowship or need support living with PPS, please visit britishpolio.org.uk or call 0800 043 1935.
Ted Hill MBE CEO, The British Polio Fellowship
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