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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Liam Buckler

Disabled dad and daughter 'felt like second-class citizens' after table service refusal

A disabled dad and daughter were left fuming after being treated like 'second class citizens' - after pub staff refused to take their table order.

John Potts, 79, and his daughter Jeanette Pope, 58, decided to go for something to eat at The Bull in, Norwich after visiting their local hospital on 4 August.

The pair arrived at the pub around 3.30pm when John, who has osteoarthritis which affect his joints, took his wheelchair into the pub.

Jeanette, who uses a walking a stick, followed and the pair sat down at a table and decided what they were going to eat.

However, after waiting half an hour to be greeted by staff, no one appeared to take their order.

The pair, who would always visit the pub before its new refurbishment, managed to grab the attention of one of the staff members.

Jeanette asked if they could place their order at the table instead of the bar due to their mobility issues.

John told Norwich Evening News : "The staff member went away to check but she came back and said that we'd have to come to the bar to order."

The pub claim they were unaware that both John and Jeanette needed assistance (© ARCHANT NORFOLK 2004)

However, the pub claim they were unaware that both John and Jeanette needed assistance after they were advised to order at the bar.

A spokeswoman at The Bull said they were aware of a disabled guest visiting the pub with a female companion when they were shown to a table.

The Bull said they were not made aware both parties needed assistance and have requested the pair get in touch with them so they can enjoy a full hospitality experience.

Meanwhile, John claims the pub could have taken their order via a notepad and pen and taken it to the till.

He added: "It felt as though we were being discriminated against."

Whilst the father and daughter believe the situation could have been handled a lot better - they normally have sympathetic experiences eating out.

John said: "Most of the time people are very sympathetic and helpful towards us. But the whole situation made us feel like second-class citizens."

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