Partially-sighted woman with guide dog told to leave store

A MUM who suffers from tunnel vision was told to leave a Stonydelph store after walking in with her guide dog.

The incident happened after Marina Bradbury, aged 31, of Glascote Heath, entered Crossfell Stores with her two-year old black Labrador/Retriever cross Spyder.

Marina, who has retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease, said she was told to leave the shop by store owner Albert Lalli.

She said: "When I walked into the store, he came up to me and at first was very polite.

25% off any of our courses

Red Cloud Photography Days.

View details

Print voucher

This voucher entitles you to 25% of any of our Nottingham Photography Courses:
One Day intro to DSLR Photography
Landscape
Portrait and Studio
Evening City Photography

Terms: You can only use the one voucher per course. You cannot use this voucher in conjunction with any other offer.

Contact: 01159 078634

Valid until: Tuesday, December 31 2013

"He asked me if I could please take the dog outside because dogs were not allowed in the shop.

"I explained to him that Spyder was a guide dog and by law I was allowed to have her in the shop with me. But he continued to ask me to leave.

"I was annoyed and felt embarrassed, so walked out."

When approached by the Herald, Mr Lalli said: "When I asked her to leave the store, she didn't say anything to me and left straight away. If she was upset by this, I would have spoken to her.

"I was concerned that the dog would lick the fresh fruit and veg.

"I hadn't seen a guide dog in our shop before this. I felt I wasn't doing anything wrong."

But after being informed of laws that allow owners of guide dogs to enter shops with their animals, Mr Lalli said he wasn't aware of these rules and would allow Mrs Bradbury and Spyder back in to his store.

He added: "As long as the dog is responsible, they are welcome back."

Marina said of this: "I'm quite happy he has said that and accept what he's saying."

Mr Lalli has owned Crossfell Stores for over 20 years. A sign in the shop reads 'please – no dogs allowed'.

Colin Elliot, mobility team manager for the Guide Dogs charity, said he would contact Mr Lalli.

He said: "The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to deny access to a guide dog owner."