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<p>It is unacceptable that users of assistance dogs experience unlawful discrimination
in the provision of goods, services or public functions. The Equality Act 2010 places
a duty on organisations and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve
access to premises and services so that disabled customers, including those with assistance
dogs, have the same access to goods and services and are not placed at a substantial
disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers.</p><p> </p><p>The Equality and Human
Rights Commission (EHRC) is the public body responsible for enforcing the Equality
Act. In 2017, the EHRC published two pieces of guidance - a guide to help businesses
understand what they can do to meet their legal duties to assistance dog owners, and
a guide to help tourism businesses welcome people with access requirements. The EHRC
supports disabled individuals who have experienced discrimination to take their cases
to court. The Government’s tailored review of the EHRC, published in November 2018,
has recommended that EHRC should focus on the use of its unique powers as enforcer
and regulator of the Equality Act.</p><p> </p><p>The Equality Advisory and Support
Service (EASS) provides free bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals by
telephone (0808 800 0082), textphone (0808 800 0084) or via the EASS website.</p>
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