Wetherspoons apologizes after staff demand guide dog ID from blind customer

Joanne Hewitson, a 31-year-old blind woman, was left feeling "livid" and "shaking" after staff at a Wetherspoons pub in Hartlepool demanded identification for her guide dog, Rosie. The incident occurred last month when Hewitson and her partner, Craig, visited the Ward Jackson pub for breakfast. Hewitson explained that Rosie, who has been her guide for five years, was wearing her harness with a recognized logo and behaving impeccably under the table.

A staff member approached Hewitson and requested an "ID card for your dog," stating it was pub policy and that she could not be served without it. Hewitson informed the staff member that she was not legally required to carry such identification. Despite her explanation, the staff member persisted, leading Hewitson to feel unwelcome and ultimately decide to leave the establishment with her partner and guide dog.

Hewitson, who was on her first outing since fracturing her back in January, expressed her distress, stating she felt at a disadvantage compared to able-bodied customers. She highlighted that Rosie is her "eyes" and an essential extension of herself, making it impossible for her to leave home without her.

Following the incident, Hewitson posted about her experience on social media and reported it to Guide Dogs UK, where she found many other assistance dog owners had faced similar situations. A spokesperson for Wetherspoons, Eddie Gershon, issued a full apology, acknowledging that an error was made and confirming that guide dogs are welcome in their pubs without the need for documentation. The pub chain stated that an area manager would be meeting with Hewitson to apologize in person.