Restaurants opening: Don’t forget disabled people (inews)

Chloe_Scope

Restaurants opening: Don’t forget disabled people during al fresco dining plans, campaigners urge – inews

Disability rights campaigners are calling on pub and restaurant owners to “consider everyone in our society” and refrain from compromising the mobility of wheelchair users when they are allowed to sell drinks on pavements and in parks. 

Ministers introduced a new bill in Parliament on Thursday temporarily changing licensing laws for businesses in England. 

Under the new rules, licensed outlets will be able to convert their car parks and terraces into temporary beer gardens, and pubs will be able to set up tables and chairs on pavements to serve their customers. 

Ceri Smith, Head of Policy and Campaigns at disability equality charity Scope said: “disabled people have often felt forgotten during the pandemic.

It’s important to get the economy moving again, but that must not come at the expense of disabled people.”

The lockdown is beginning to ease, but how do you feel? Are disabled people being left behind? Will you be venturing outside? Let us know in the comments below!

m_burrell82

I want to know whats out there now. I'd love someone to compile a list of pubs and restaurants that are open and are Disability friendly, including those that don't need phone apps to go in or to see a menu or order. Many folk I know don't have a cell phone and if they did might have a problem installing an app. I remember when a certain place called the Sunset was very good with a guy in a wheel chair. Well, disabled people need to be included every where, don't they? So if you realize what place I'm talking about, please don't leave out those places.

katho31

Hi, i wouldnt personally go to a pub yet, would wait a few weeks. people who feel they want to go should do so in a safe way, masks, hand gel , safe distancing, the pubs should use ramps to access beer gardens/car parks and have very visable signs for people, also may be a quiz for people and carers/friends? 

christian96

Not yet. I have tested the waters by having a cocktail and cupcake party at home this past Saturday. I put on a DVD, had two friends over and we talked for hours, munched cupcakes and had half a cocktail each too. I’m dipping my toe in the waters again by going to my hairdresser tomorrow for a long overdue hair trim. Slowly I’m venturing out. On Thursday I will walk to a duck pond and also visit a church. 

Chloe_Scope

Really interesting, thank you for sharing.