A Lidl security guard at a London store was filmed attempting to eject a blind man and his guide dog, wrongly insisting the dog was “not allowed” inside. The incident, captured around three weeks ago and shared on X by @OliLondonTV, shows the guard repeatedly telling the man to leave despite the legal rights granted to assistance dogs under the Equality Act 2010. Lidl has previously faced similar complaints regarding guide dog access.
Security Guard Denies Legal Rights
In the 40-second clip, the guard wearing a high-visibility vest tells the blind customer, “Dog is not allowed,” despite the man explaining the animal is his guide dog. The guard, speaking broken English, demands, “I’ve not seen you before, please out!” and signals for them to leave. A companion of the blind customer can be heard mentioning she only came in to buy milk. No other staff intervened during the confrontation.
Store Sign Contradicts Guard’s Claim
A sign visible in the store window explicitly exempts assistance dogs from the general no-dogs policy. This means the guard’s actions unlawfully contradict the store’s own rules and UK law, which gives guide dogs unrestricted access to all public and commercial premises.
Legal Protections Ignored
Under the Equality Act 2010, refusing entry or service to a disabled person with a guide dog is unlawful discrimination. Security Industry Authority-licensed guards, such as the one involved, are expected to undergo disability awareness and equality training as part of their certification. This raises questions about the adequacy of training provided to Lidl’s security personnel employed by third-party contractors.
Public Outrage And Calls For
The footage sparked widespread anger online, with users demanding the guard be disciplined or dismissed and Lidl issue a public apology along with compensation to the blind customer. The individual has reportedly contacted Lidl’s customer services to report the incident. This follows a similar 2024 case where a blind shopper took Lidl to court after being denied entry with a guide dog. Lidl GB was contacted for comment regarding the incident and ongoing concerns over guide dog access policies.
