Bench outside a Wetherspoons
Discussion
ok. just want to learn about the benches on the pavement outside of a wetherspoons.
So yesterday we found ourselves needing some refreshments in Brecon so noticed a few benches outside on the pavement. The wife sat down and I went in the get two drinks. Now we did have the dog with us so I thought as long as we are outside on the pavement that would be OK. I know that they do not allow dogs inside. Come back from the bar only to find the wife had been told we cant sit down with the dog. A bit miffed as had to go back in and get a refund. Right outside the main door are the tables, but to the right is what looks like a beer garden which clearly states assistance dogs, So did not use this area.
So , all the questions - oviously they have a pavement and alcohol license etc, but when does the bench and pavement become one or seperate. The benches are so wide I dont think a wheelchair could get past, I did ask if we stood up to drink is this Ok and was told no. The bench is now property of the pub. If i was to drink on the pavement I was liable to be had for alcohol in a public place. I am not arguing the fact its just that I need to know if they were being at bit unfair if ever this kind of scenario comes up again .
So yesterday we found ourselves needing some refreshments in Brecon so noticed a few benches outside on the pavement. The wife sat down and I went in the get two drinks. Now we did have the dog with us so I thought as long as we are outside on the pavement that would be OK. I know that they do not allow dogs inside. Come back from the bar only to find the wife had been told we cant sit down with the dog. A bit miffed as had to go back in and get a refund. Right outside the main door are the tables, but to the right is what looks like a beer garden which clearly states assistance dogs, So did not use this area.
So , all the questions - oviously they have a pavement and alcohol license etc, but when does the bench and pavement become one or seperate. The benches are so wide I dont think a wheelchair could get past, I did ask if we stood up to drink is this Ok and was told no. The bench is now property of the pub. If i was to drink on the pavement I was liable to be had for alcohol in a public place. I am not arguing the fact its just that I need to know if they were being at bit unfair if ever this kind of scenario comes up again .
I have good friend who is blind and has a Guide Dog, who frequents JDW fairly often. I was fortunate to ‘tag-along’ with the Guide Dog trainer when she was training my friend on the use of his new Guide Dog and we all ended up for lunch in a JDW and the trainer was on about it.
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
ADJimbo said:
I have good friend who is blind and has a Guide Dog, who frequents JDW fairly often. I was fortunate to ‘tag-along’ with the Guide Dog trainer when she was training my friend on the use of his new Guide Dog and we all ended up for lunch in a JDW and the trainer was on about it.
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
"Legally" exempt from what?It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
I can understand the no dog rule inside as i guess some clientele and thier bully's and pitty's would upset a lot of people, but one outside on the pavemant would or should be acceptable. I just googled it and seen the tables outside, maybe I should have stood on the road / double yellow lines, this would have been public.
If they are allowed under license to have benches is there a known distance that they might deem it to be on thier property.
I am trying not to be anal about it or make a fuss, going back and repeating the incident but need to know how and where the rules lie.
If you were to go there in winter and stand outside with no benches with a dog, would they still be able to refuse you.
Just read that they mention external areas, do they have any rights to say this over a public pavement.
If they are allowed under license to have benches is there a known distance that they might deem it to be on thier property.
I am trying not to be anal about it or make a fuss, going back and repeating the incident but need to know how and where the rules lie.
If you were to go there in winter and stand outside with no benches with a dog, would they still be able to refuse you.
Just read that they mention external areas, do they have any rights to say this over a public pavement.
Edited by uglymug on Tuesday 12th August 16:28
48k said:
MustangGT said:
Key question is who owns the pavement? If the council, you were on public property.
I would be very surprised if Wetherspoons chance their luck and put benches out in public on land that doesn't form part of their lease.This doesn't allow them to restrict access to the pavement. You can still walk your dog over it. But once you're sat on their benches it's basically their rules.
This makes absolutely perfect sense upon reflection.
Consider what would happen if dogs were allowed. The lower class of JDW customers - the all day all week mob - are going to bring their dogs. What sort of dogs are they going to have?
It’ll be a barking cacophony with passers by and children having their faces ripped off by a pack of staffies, or slipping in their crap.
I’m a huge Spoons fan and I love dogs, but I can see that they know their customer base and what’ll happen if they allow dogs.
Consider what would happen if dogs were allowed. The lower class of JDW customers - the all day all week mob - are going to bring their dogs. What sort of dogs are they going to have?
It’ll be a barking cacophony with passers by and children having their faces ripped off by a pack of staffies, or slipping in their crap.
I’m a huge Spoons fan and I love dogs, but I can see that they know their customer base and what’ll happen if they allow dogs.
BertBert said:
ADJimbo said:
I have good friend who is blind and has a Guide Dog, who frequents JDW fairly often. I was fortunate to ‘tag-along’ with the Guide Dog trainer when she was training my friend on the use of his new Guide Dog and we all ended up for lunch in a JDW and the trainer was on about it.
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
"Legally" exempt from what?It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
i.e. the law allows a registered blind person and their assistance dog the right to access services and vehicles (Equality Act 2010).
JDW corporate policies can't trump the Law.
RotorRambler said:
I’m surprised no dogs allowed there tbh.
The vast majority of pubs seem to welcome dogs, even inside.
Their train set, their rules!
They've had this rule for years, it's well known, and I think a lot of people who dislike dogs in places that serve food frequent 'Spoons for that very reason.The vast majority of pubs seem to welcome dogs, even inside.
Their train set, their rules!
You're right that most pubs welcome dogs, so it's now become the venue of choice for those who aren't comfortable with dogs in pubs.
BertBert said:
ADJimbo said:
I have good friend who is blind and has a Guide Dog, who frequents JDW fairly often. I was fortunate to ‘tag-along’ with the Guide Dog trainer when she was training my friend on the use of his new Guide Dog and we all ended up for lunch in a JDW and the trainer was on about it.
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
"Legally" exempt from what?It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and it’s credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
For example; the Guide Dog is covered by the Equality Act 2010 which gives the Guide Dog a legal exemption from the internal policy. In essence, the law trumps the internal policy.
I won’t be trading semantics with you any further on account of the fact that a) I have added value to the OP’s question whereas you haven’t and b) I simply cannot be bothered in all fairness.
ETA : PhilboSE provided his answer whilst I was drafting mine.
Edited by ADJimbo on Tuesday 12th August 17:27
Edited by ADJimbo on Tuesday 12th August 17:29
ADJimbo said:
I have good friend who is blind and has a Guide Dog, who frequents JDW fairly often. I was fortunate to ‘tag-along’ with the Guide Dog trainer when she was training my friend on the use of his new Guide Dog and we all ended up for lunch in a JDW and the trainer was on about it.
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and its credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/
It’s JDW Corporate Policy that they do not allow ANY Dog on site except a Guide Dog or an Assistance Dog whom are legally exempt. She had to show the Guide Dogs ID and its credentials for even him to be allowed in. They were quite strict in ensuring the was a bone-fide Guide Dog, even though the dog was on a harness and she was in Guide Dog branded clothing.
A quick look on their website underpins their thought process and reasoning;
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/

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