Sainsbury's is investigating after a visually impaired customer who was shopping with his guide dog was asked twice to leave one of its stores. The supermarket giant has apologised and said guide dogs are allowed in its supermarkets.
Scott Bailey and his guide dog Milo were in a Sainsbury's branch when a member of staff approached them. It is understood that Scott, from Crewe, who started to lose his sight in 2019, was twice asked to leave the store before they paid for their goods and left without receiving an apology, StokeonTrentLive reports.
The 33-year-old said: "In Sainsbury's, I had to explain again that Milo is a guide dog. We got no apology. This has really knocked my confidence and I had my two young daughters with me. Let's hope that a lot of companies and people have been educated, informed and re-trained so hopefully it does not happen to anyone else."
Milo has been named as one of the finalists in the Hero Dog Award at Crufts 2022 after saving Scott's life by stopping him crossing a road during a police chase.
The Equality Act 2010 means guide dogs and their owners have the right to enter most services, premises and vehicles with their dog. But Guide Dogs says around three-quarters of assistance dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant, shop or taxi.
Sainsbury's has launched an investigation into the incident. A Sainsbury's spokesman said: “We have apologised to Scott. We have a clear policy which welcomes guide dogs into our stores and we are investigating his experience.”
