Is there a law that makes it a criminal offence to remove/withhold somebody's mobility aid?

Etienne
Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
edited June 2022 in Start here and say hello
Hi,
I've only just discovered this community this evening and was hoping some of you might be able to help me with a question I've been pondering for the last two days. Is there a law/legislation/other that makes it a criminal offence to remove/withhold somebody's mobility aid? This happened to me at a music concert and I'm trying to work out how high up I can take this?
Thanks in advance.
E x
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  • Etienne
    Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    edited June 2022
    Hi
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  • Etienne
    Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    Any tips about where I might find a legal answer?

    Yes, morally it's so wrong. I wouldn't have thought there needed to be a law as it's just common decency surely?! They gave me no reason and withheld my wheelchair, even after more than a dozen requests for its return.
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  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,231 Championing
    Hi @Etienne I have a link for you to read 

    https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/equality-law-theatres-and-other-entertainment-venues
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  • Etienne
    Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    Hi @Sandy_123 - thanks so much. I'll have a read and maybe give them a call. 
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  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,231 Championing
    Good luck they seem right people to approach
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  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community Member Posts: 383 Empowering
    I was just wondering were you not sitting in your wheelchair? If not had you transfered to  to one of there seats? If so could they not have moved it for safety reasons? Did they give it back to you when you requested?
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  • Etienne
    Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    edited June 2022
    @littleacorn I am able to walk a little so had walked down the row to our seat, which was in the special assistance area. My partner tucked it under the little shelf/table thing that the back row has as they were directly behind us. A woman sat there said she would keep on eye on it. A member of staff said it is policy for it to not be in a walk way - totally understand this which is why it was tucked away. Their evacuation policy dictates it has to be stored in a certain area which is nowhere near where we were seated. My partner asked how they would evacuate me with my chair on the far side of the building but they had no answer. I ended up on the floor, crying and begging 5 members of staff for the return of my wheelchair. They had selective hearing. I asked over 20 times. 
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  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community Member Posts: 383 Empowering
    Have you contacted the venue in writing for a written explaination?
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  • Etienne
    Etienne Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    @littleacorn I have submitted a formal written complaint. 
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  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community Member Posts: 383 Empowering
    Thats good hope you get a satisfactory reply.
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