Publican to bring in menus for the blind

Restaurant Association vice-chairman Bob Walton is setting an example to the rest of the hospitality industry by introducing Braille and large-print menus at his Elm Tree pub at Beech Hill, near Reading, Berkshire.

Walton is working with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Reading, who will produce the menus in return for a donation of £20. Walton also welcomes guide dogs at both his pub and nearby hotel, Trunkwell Mansion House.

Walton said it was ridiculous that blind people were discriminated against. He pointed out that there was a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to cater for blind people, and that there were good moral and business reasons as well. "It is outrageous that blind people should be turned away," he said. "What is the restaurateur frightened of? If he turns away blind people, he ends up turning away their friends and their business too."

Under the DDA it is unlawful to refuse to serve disabled customers or to offer them a lower standard of service. The act, which has been introduced in phases, comes into full effect from October 2004.

About 1.8 million people in the UK are registered blind or partially sighted. Although only a tiny percentage of these read Braille, Walton says offering Braille menus gives the signal that the establishment is welcoming towards blind people.

Make a guide dog owner feel welcome…
* Welcome the guide dog owner and introduce yourself as quickly as possible. They might appreciate guidance to a table.
* Briefly explain the layout of the room and take the order at the table.
* Don't feed or pat the dog - guide dogs are specially trained to be in restaurants and bars and should curl up under the table.
* Offer help when the guide dog owner comes to settle the bill.

Source: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association