Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire has responded to recent national reporting highlighting concerns over the way some pub chains are treating customers with assistance dogs — underscoring the importance of awareness, education and inclusion at a local level.

According to the BBC, watchdogs have raised the alarm that JD Wetherspoon pubs may be in breach of legal obligations by refusing entry to customers accompanied by registered assistance dogs — such as guide dogs, support dogs for autism and emotional support animals.

This follows a wave of public concern after stories emerged of people with disabilities being denied access to venues while accompanied by their assistance animals. The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments and permit access for assistance dog users without discrimination.

At Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire, we know that individuals accompanied by assistance dogs often experience barriers when accessing public spaces. This issue isn’t hypothetical – it’s something our volunteers and local residents have encountered first-hand.

Young Healthwatch Speak Up: ‘Dogs on Duty’

Our own Young Healthwatch group has already taken decisive action on this important topic. In October 2025, Young Healthwatch published the ‘Dogs on Duty’ report — a youth-led investigation into the discrimination faced by assistance dog owners in Central Bedfordshire and recommendations for improving access, understanding and respect across the community.

Read the full report here: https://healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk/dogs-on-duty.

The ‘Dogs on Duty’ campaign documented real experiences, captured personal stories and worked with local businesses to raise awareness of legal rights and inclusive practice. It also encouraged venues to publicly show they welcome assistance dogs through posters, window stickers and staff engagement.

Key findings showed that many business owners simply lacked awareness of the law, while assistance dog users reported anxiety and exclusion — even when their dogs were fully registered and trained. Young volunteers recommended clearer staff training, visible accessibility commitments by businesses, and ongoing community engagement to reduce stigma.

What This Means for Central Bedfordshire

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire calls on all local businesses — pubs, cafés, shops and beyond — to:

• Understand the rights of assistance dog users under the Equality Act 2010
• Actively welcome and support people accessing services with their assistance dogs
• Use resources from our ‘Dogs on Duty’ report to promote inclusive practice

We also encourage residents to share their experiences and help us continue shining a light on barriers to equality in our community.