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Blind woman turned away from Scoops Gelato for having guide dog
Lyn Godwin and her eight-year-old dog, Yoko, went to Scoops Gelato in Portswood to escape the scorching heat.
However, as she stood in the queue to get some ice cream, she was told by a staff member that she wasn’t allowed in with her dog.
Scoops has since apologised and said a language barrier led to miscommunication. The venue has invited Lyn back in.
Speaking to Echo about the incident, Lyn – who does have some vision – said: “I just wanted to sit somewhere nice and shady with Yoko.
“Inside Scoops, I stood behind two people that were getting ice cream.
“I was waiting for my turn, and a lady (staff member) was watching me.
“When I walked towards her, she said that I couldn’t come in here with my dog.
“I pointed out that I am blind and that I can’t see, and she still said that I can’t bring the dog in.
“There were three people who witnessed the incident and said that it was disgusting.
“I then told myself that I was not going to make a fuss and left the store.”
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Lyn has diabetic retinopathy and due to her condition she lost most of her eyesight 15 years ago.
The Portswood resident has had Yoko for nearly six years and called her a “lovely and funny” dog who enjoys tummy tickles.
Lyn has been deeply shocked and embarrassed after Sunday’s incident, prompting her to call on businesses and venues to prioritise accessibility for disabled people.
The 69-year-old added: “In the past, I have been turned away from some venues because I am blind and I have a guide dog.
“So what happened to me at Scoops wasn’t as bad as before, but I don’t want to get used to it.
“It shouldn’t be like that.
“As a city, we need to get used to every kind of customer, regardless of their needs.
“I don’t want to get anyone into trouble, but just be aware, everyone should be aware now that assistance dogs are the same as having a human with you.”
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The manager of Scoops Gelato in Portswood has issued an apology to Lyn.
The manager, who was not named, said: “We have investigated the incident and found that the staff member who asked the lady to leave the premises is Ukrainian.
“She left a war-torn country and doesn’t speak the best English, so we believe there was a miscommunication between her and the customer.
“We don’t want the customer to feel isolated and excluded after the incident, and we would love to invite her back.
“Right now, all we can do is apologise that she was turned away, but we want to make up with her.
“We have been in Portswood since 2014, and it’s our policy that everyone is welcome.”
