A READING bar-goer has raised concerns after being refused entry into a Katesgrove restaurant while accompanied by his assistance dog.
Luke McClutton visited The Namaste Kitchen Bar & Restaurant at around 12.25pm on Monday, September 25, and was told by staff he could not come in with his dog, Sebastian, despite possessing a collar and ID badge which identified him as his legal helper. He claims he was also physically assaulted by staff.
Diagnosed with HIV, Mr McClutton described his dog as a “comfort” both physically and mentally. Earlier this year, he encountered a similar issue at The Hope Tap, where he was also denied entry.
He said: “The bloke said I needed to pick my dog up and get out as the dog is not allowed as food is served in the bar. He was quite nasty about it. He physically assaulted me, literally kicked me.
“Restaurant bars can’t refuse guide dogs into the premises, it’s UK law. The guy wouldn’t even take my complaint. He even made a stupid comment saying, ‘If a guide dog comes in here, I’ll chuck it out with its owner.’”
Mr McCulton added that the member of staff said he would “kick any guide dogs or assistant dogs out of the bar.”
He added that he would have been more understanding if staff had cited religious beliefs, or another pertinent reason, for barring his dog but said he wasn’t given one.
Service dogs are allowed in public places, which includes shops, cafes, restaurants, hospitals and public transport, under the Equality Act 2010.
The bar’s manager, Narayan Karkin, wasn’t present when the incident took place, but said he had been informed by his staff that there was no indication that the dog was an assistance dog. They had told him that Mr McCulton appeared “fit and healthy”.
“If customers bring in guide dogs or assistant dogs, they’re allowed to have it,” Mr Karkin explained. “As far as I know, the dog this customer brought is neither a guide dog nor an assistant dog.
“We didn’t touch him or his dog, but he stopped one of our female members of staff from going left or right, obstructing her.
“He asked if the staff were calling the police, to which they replied that they were, at which point he walked away.”
The restaurant does not allow unauthorised dogs inside the building to ensure food is served to the highest health and safety standards. Mr Karkin described his staff as “friendly”, adding that the restaurant loves its customers.
Thames Valley Police confirmed it had received a report of an assault at The Namaste Kitchen at around 12.25pm on 25 September.
The force is conducting a thorough investigation, including obtaining and reviewing CCTV footage.
Mr Karkin asked that Mr McCulton remove a review he’d left on the restaurant’s website if the verdict of the investigation is that they are “not guilty”, saying that it had had a negative impact on the business’ reputation.
The police is urging anyone who has any information or any footage of the assault to get in touch by reporting on its website or by calling 101, quoting investigation reference number 43230430276.
