A man in Marfleet, Hull, claims he was denied entry to his local One Stop convenience store on Sunday night due to his assistance dog, despite regularly shopping there without issue for months.
Carl Key expressed frustration over the incident, stating that he was informed he could enter the store, but his assistance dog, Snoopy, would not be permitted inside. Key, who relies on Snoopy due to mental health issues, emphasized the importance of his assistance dog, particularly in navigating outdoor environments safely.
Key, who typically does his grocery shopping online and relies on the convenience store for “top-up” items, including essentials for Snoopy, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities. Despite possessing all necessary documentation for Snoopy, including ID cards, Key encountered resistance from store staff.
Expressing concern over the refusal of entry, Key noted his inability to speak with the store manager to address the issue directly, as he was barred from entering. He stressed that such treatment of disabled individuals was unacceptable.
This incident isn’t the first time Key has faced challenges with store policies regarding assistance dogs. He recounted a previous altercation at a different convenience store and expressed disappointment with the lack of resolution following police involvement.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for One Stop apologized for the misunderstanding and reaffirmed the store’s policy of welcoming customers with assistance dogs. They expressed hope for Key’s return to their Marfleet Lane store.
Humberside Police confirmed offering words of advice regarding the incident.
