Restaurant charged for refusing service to blind woman

[Cathy]

BARRIE, Ont. - Charges have been laid against a downtown restaurant and its owner for denying access to a blind woman. Although the owner of the Dunlop Street establishment believes it is a misunderstanding, many believe it’s a lack of understanding about the Blind Persons' Rights Act that is to blame.

Barrie police say the woman alleges she was refused service at a downtown restaurant last July because the waiter did not want her to bring her service dog into the restaurant. Const. Angela Butler said some retailers may believe that the Trespass and Property Act allows them to deny service to a customer, but adds, “The Blind Persons’ Rights Act supersedes that act."

But Selim Amhad, the owner of Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine, believes his restaurant was charged in error. Amhad said he was working in the kitchen at the time of the incident and was only told of it after the police were called.“My understanding is that the lady came in and sat down with her dog at a table that was reserved for someone else,” said Amhad, noting July and August evenings were very busy and that there were no other tables available.

He said the waiter told the woman the table was reserved for someone else, and that she would have to leave. Ahmad said the woman refused, convinced it was because she brought her her service dog in with her, and called the police from the table.
Everyone is allowed in his restaurant, said Amhad. “I opened the restaurant to serve all people,” he said.

However, police believe there was enough evidence to merit the charges, said Butler.
The woman lives in Barrie part of the year and is currently out of the country.
Under the act, once a dog has successfully completed an accredited training program, demonstrates socially appropriate behaviour with good obedience skills and is on a leash, it is allowed to enter any premises in Canada.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2011/01/21/16986436.html

 

[mamacedar]

Hmmm... anyone else get the distinct feeling the owner is:

since he got busted being an insensitive oaf?

:roll:

 

[Caramel Eyes]

Some people :

 

[oceansky]

Once you buy a business you have to obey the laws. Clearly the man wants to make his own.

 

[Russian is Me]

Can agree with that but would you want to eat next to a dog.

 

[Simply Telisha]

These dogs are specifically trained to lay under the table and not to move until they are told to by the owner, I think that's a pretty cold statement :

Why should people with disabilities not have the same opportunities as someone who's not??

 

[Rhianny]

The owner is lying through his teeth clearly.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Once it got the media's attention he is now back tracking his words. LOSER.

 

[Lovelyn]

Good for her to go to the cops. He will learn the hard way not to be an asshole.

 

[Ron Brgundy]

Some cultures find having dogs indoors abhorrent. Rightly or wrongly I believe this was the reason the lady was denied service.

 

[AAAHHHHH]

If the table was reserved, I'll side with him.
I'm not sure the owner is lying, I think it should be up to the police to prove he is.
If they can't, then drop the charges.

 

[MayDay Parade (3]

I doubt he will get charged. Tough to prove the table was not reserved.

 

[cnqaus]

Exactly.

For the record I know more than a few people who constantly use their race, handicap, or whatever as an excuse for bad behaviour.

For eg: old chinese people who try to butt in line.....

I won't side with either and will wait until I hear all the evidence. I won't condemn the restaurant owner, or the patron. Both scenarios are entirely plausible.

I would have no problem eating with a dog at the next table. Heck I do it with two cats meowing for handouts and have eaten with GF's whose dog sat next to me with his head in my lap, looking up with puppy dog eyes.......

Oh, and just so you know? If there is any doubt, the cops more often than not will file a charge and let the courts decide.

I wonder: when she flies does she have to buy an extra seat for the dog? and if so, does she order a Ken L ration special meal? hehehehe

 

[Grodandor]

+1

I'd wait for all the facts, not just judge based on prejudices.


I wonder if she would be served at a place like "The Strip Club" where customers cook their own steaks? Wouldn't that be too dangerous for a blind person?


And has she ever eaten at an asian restaurant...(insert "asians eating dogs" joke here)

 

[suicidal_lover]

LOL @ primO.....

Reminds me of the korean cookbook: 100 ways to wok your dog!