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.
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.
