A disabled woman has said she was banned from every Asda in Britain after she was wrongly told she could not bring her service dog into one of the supermarket’s branches in southeast London.
Elanor Maxey, 32, was told she could not bring her service dog Genie into Asda stores during an argument with a security guard in Bexleyheath.
Alongside a video of the dispute, Ms Maxey wrote on TikTok: “Today Genie and I have now been officially banned from every Asda in Britain simply because [I] didn't present her ‘Service ID’ (something that doesn't exist).
“I also was asked for my dog licence... something that hasn't ever existed within my lifetime.”
Ms Maxey added that staff at the supermarket labelled her rude and claimed she had breached the Data Protection Act by recording staff.
@ellsthefair PART 1. Today Genie and I have now been officially banned from every @Asda in Britain simply because my didn't present her "Service ID" (something that doesn't exist). I also was asked for my dog licence... something that hasn't ever existed within my lifetime! They also claim I was rude (it's all recorded) and breached the Data Protection Act by recording staff. I was in more of a state as i already was dizzy which is why i was popping in just for a sandwich. because of this I am just so thankful there were some brave people who tried to advocate for me and while the store ignored them it's wonderful to know there are kind people who will speak up when they see human rights being violated. I later spoke to police who have told me to file a report as it is discrimination to ban someone for not presenting ID if they have an Assistance Dog. They also cannot ban someone for being "rude" and it is entirely legal to record in any space where a member of public has a right of access. She also had no right to grab at me and my phone. If you have any questions feel free to ask and i will help where i can. This is the most recent guide which outlines the rights Assistance Dogs have within the UK. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/assistance-dogs-guide-businesses-and-service-providersPART 1. Today Genie and I have now been officially banned from every Asda in Britain simply because my didn't present her "Service ID" (something that doesn't exist). I also was asked for my dog licence... something that hasn't ever existed within my lifetime! They also claim I was rude (it's all recorded) and breached the Data Protection Act by recording staff. I was in more of a state as i already was dizzy which is why i was popping in just for a sandwich so I am just so thankful there were some brave people who tried to advocate for me and while the store ignored them it's wonderful to know there are kind people who will speak up when they see human rights being violated. I later spoke to police who have told me to file a report as it is discrimination to ban someone for not presenting ID if they have an Assistance Dog. They also cannot ban someone for being "rude" and it is entirely legal to record in any space where a member of public has a right of access. She also had no right to grab at me and my phone. If you have any questions feel free to ask and i will help where i can. This is the most recent guide which outlines the rights Assistance Dogs have within the UK. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/assistance-dogs-guide-businesses-and-service-providers #disability #disabledcommunity #disabilityawareness #equalityforall #equalityact #humanrights #discrimination #disabilityadvocate #security #securityguard #asda #asdawareness #asdageorge #assistancedog #assistancedogsoftiktok #workingdog #wheelchair #servicedog #mobilitydog #alertdog #disability #disabledcommunity #disabilityawareness #equalityforall #equalityact #humanrights #discrimination #disabilityadvocate #security #securityguard #asda #asdawareness #asdageorge #assistancedog #assistancedogsoftiktok #workingdog #wheelchair #servicedog #mobilitydog #alertdog
♬ original sound - Ellsthefair
She told her followers that she had been feeling dizzy when she popped into the supermarket for a sandwich.
She continued: “I am just so thankful there were some brave people who tried to advocate for me and while the store ignored them it's wonderful to know there are kind people who will speak up when they see human rights being violated.
“I later spoke to police who have told me to file a report as it is discrimination to ban someone for not presenting ID if they have an Assistance Dog.
“They also cannot ban someone for being "rude" and it is entirely legal to record in any space where a member of public has a right of access. She also had no right to grab at me and my phone.”
Under the Equality Act, it is unlawful to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog except in the most exceptional circumstances.
An Asda spokesperson told the Metro that Ms Maxey’s ban has been rescinded and said: “We have apologised to Ms Maxey for her experience at our Bexleyheath store.
“‘This falls short of the welcoming culture we strive for at Asda.
“We are clear that assistance dogs are welcome in all of our stores, and we will be reminding our colleagues of this policy as a matter of urgency.”
Asda has been contacted by the Evening Standard for further comment.
