Blind woman told her guide dog is not allowed in Sainsbury’s
A blind woman was told by staff that she could not take her guide dog into Sainsbury’s.
Rachael Neville, from Brixton, has a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which has left her with only five per cent of her vision and means she needs to use a guide dog when out in public.
On Saturday, when she was out with her family, Rachael went into the Sainsbury’s in Milkwood Road, Herne Hill with her guide dog, Pippa.
But as she was on her way out of the shop a member of staff told her that her that she could not take the dog into the shop.
Rachael said: “What was most disappointing was when I said to the member of staff that she’s a guide dog, he seemed baffled, like he’d never heard of one before.
“There seems to be an issue with training at Sainsbury’s.
“I know people make mistakes, but every member of staff knows they can’t sell alcohol to children, so why don’t they all know you can’t ban guide dogs?
“Pippa acts as my eyes. You wouldn’t tell other shoppers they can only come in if they wear a blindfold.
“It’s exhausting having to worry every time I step into a shop, bar or cab that I might get refused access, and this experience is just another example where it seems my concerns are justified.”
A Guide Dogs spokesman said: “Guide Dogs believes everyone who experiences sight loss deserves to be able to live their lives the way they want and feel confident, independent and supported in the world.
“It is completely unacceptable for a retailer to illegally refuse entry to a customer with a guide dog.
“Yet, sadly, this individual’s experience is not a one off and discrimination is still so prevalent today’s society. Three-quarters of guide dog owners have been illegally turned away by businesses and services, which is leaving people with sight loss left out of life.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “Assistance dogs are welcome in all of our stores and petrol stations and we have apologised to Rachael for her experience. We will remind all stores of our policy and hope to welcome Rachael and her assistance dog back into store soon.”