Deaf man collects pub snub damages

From: icWales, UK - Jun 15, 2003

by Laura Kemp,

A DEAF man who was taken out to a pub by friends to help him get over losing his wife was ordered to sit away from other customers because he was with his hearing dog.

Now the landlord has agreed to pay damages for discrimination.

Gareth Foulkes, from Colwyn Bay, who works for the Disability Rights Commission, was segregated from other punters at the Albion Inn in Chester - despite his dog Hiro wearing a yellow jacket with 'Hearing Dog for Deaf People' written on the side.

In a settlement at Chester County Court, landlord Mike Mercer agreed to pay £1,200 damages and was ordered to pay £2,500 costs.

Gareth, 45, said afterwards: "I am delighted at this judgement. I found it really upsetting at the time to be treated the way I was. I see this as a victory for disabled people across the UK."

Mr Mercer's counsel Peter Moss said the landlord was "mortified" and "disabled people whatever their disability are always welcome at the Albion Inn"

© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Plc 2003