Publicans told to make right move on disabled facilities

Licensees are running out of time to make changes to their properties to bring them in line with the new Disability Discrimination Act. The act, which comes into force in October 2004, requires businesses to make "reasonable adjustments" or face prosecution.

This can mean anything from installing ramps and disabled toilets to providing something as simple as hearing loops for the deaf.

Licensees fear that they could be hit with large refurbishment costs, while some property agents have indicated that it could change the way that operators view conversions.

The Disability Rights Commission has already said that there is no definition of what is "reasonable" although it will be influenced by the size and nature of each outlet.

A large company will be expected to make substantial adjustments to its estate while a small, individual pub will be expected to make fewer changes.

IndividuALL, an organisation set up by the British Hospitality Association and the Disability Partnership, has urged licensees to get advice and have an audit on their property. Although this can cost anything up to £1,200, the organisation argues it could save licensees money in the long run.

Chris Grace, director of IndividuALL, said: "Publicans should be worried and they need to do something. A lot of people are burying their heads in the sand. Most people tend to focus on wheelchair access such as changing ramps and widening doors. Wheelchair users are actually in the minority. There are many other things you can do."

He advises that putting colour contrasts round doorways, visible signage for toilets and hearing loops can all make a pub more accessible for the disabled and can cost relatively little.

This view is supported by Tony Payne of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, although he thinks that licensees are capable of making their own risk assessments.

He said: "Licensees must start looking at the actions they need to take now and make a risk assessment."

Some pub companies are already making adjustments to their pubs to make them more accessible. Manchester brewer, JW Lees is one of several operators to introduce Braille menus into its pubs for its blind customers.

It is already unlawful under the act to treat disabled people less favourably for any reason related to their disability and businesses have to make adjustments such as providing table service or training staff to read out menus.

New building regulations currently under discussion within government will bring all new buildings or those undergoing refurbishment into line with the disability act.

It will mean that they will have to add in facilities such as ramps and signage for the disabled.

In addition to disabled access it also proposes that all buildings are made more accessible to people such as pregnant women or those with prams.

The minister responsible for building regulations, Chris Leslie, said: "These regulations will open up new work and leisure opportunities for disabled people, for those who suffer from visual or hearing impairment and people with learning difficulties and will enable everyone to play as full as role as possible within the community."

Advice to licensees​

• Get an audit done on your premises or make a risk assessment now
• If you are looking to refurbish your pub consider disabled accessibility
• Call the Disability Rights Commission advice line 08451 622 633 or www.drc-gb.org
• IndividuALL is available on 01273 464518 or email individuALL@disabilitypartnership.co.uk