Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to businesses regarding the entry of guide dogs to their premises, including with regard to their legal duties.

We are clear that people should not be refused access to businesses or services because they have a guide dog. Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses and public bodies that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people, including those with assistance dogs. The Act places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a range of guidance on this matter to ensure that businesses and service providers are aware of their legal responsibilities towards customers with guide dogs and are equipped with the knowledge to ensure the Equality Act 2010 is complied with.

These provide examples of best practice and information on, for example, the requirement to make reasonable adjustments, including the admittance of guide dogs to premises. This is so that disabled customers have the same access to goods and services and are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers.