Guidelines for pub compliance with Disability Act due

A new code of practice for pubs making conversions in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act is published next week.

The code, published by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), will set out the "reasonable adjustments" which have to be made by the estimated two million UK businesses and services which have yet to comply with the Act.

Clarification was promised by the Government last May after many businesses, including pub trade representatives, argued that the definition of a "reasonable adjustment" was too vague.

Changes suggested have included installing wheelchair access ramps, introducing table service and Braille menus, and teaching staff basic sign language.

But the trade has argued that what is feasible in a large managed house may not be realistic in a small freehouse or tenancy and have asked the Government to clarify the law.

The new code is due to be published on February 26 and should give licensees guidance on what is needed in order to comply.

The final deadline for compliance with the Act is 2004. After this date licensees who have failed to make the required alterations may face legal action from disabled customers or staff who feel they have not been given fair access to services.