Dad Unhappy After Pub Says No to Disabled Son's 18th Birthday Pint

An angry dad criticizes the landlord of his local pub for refusing to serve his disabled son a pint on his special day.

For about six years single dad Jim was a regular at his neighborhood pub in Corfe Mullen. However ever since the incident he hasn't set foot in there.

"I told him that I might let Hadyn have two pints on his birthday but then he said he might not be able to serve him at all."

According to legal experts at PopplestonAllen "The rules allow a pub owner to refuse service to any individual as long as it's not based on factors like sex race disability gender sexual orientation religion or belief."

The pub landlord Geoffrey Mockford stands by his decision claiming that Hadyn is 'not a typical 18-year-old' due to his 'slower mental growth' and that serving him alcohol would be akin to serving 'a 9-year-old'. He also points out that Hadyn has witnessed the effects of alcohol through his experiences with his dad at the venue over the years.

Despite the disagreement Hadyn's birthday party took place at the pub as planned as changing the venue so close to Christmas was not a viable option. Nonetheless Jim insists that Hadyn missed out on his much-anticipated first drink.

Jim explained what happened at the disappointing party saying "I ordered two pints of lager one for me and one for Hadyn and was told that Hadyn's had to be a shandy."

Mockford refuted some of Jim's claims stating to The Sun "As a pub owner I have the right to refuse service without giving a reason. It's the law. I have to consider the safety of all customers including Hadyn himself. Given his mental age of 8 or 9 I fail to understand why as a responsible parent Jim would encourage him to consume alcohol."

This incident has sparked debate about the rights of pub owners to refuse service based on their discretion. While some argue that it infringes on basic rights others view it as a necessary measure to ensure safety and responsible alcohol consumption.

Jim however believes that the decision was discriminatory as it targeted his son's disability. He feels that his family has been treated unfairly and hopes that his experience will raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

In today's society inclusivity and equal treatment are important topics of discussion. It is crucial to strike a balance between individual rights and the safety of all patrons. As the conversation continues it remains to be seen how pub owners and legal authorities will navigate these complex issues.

Ultimately this incident has shed light on the experiences of families like Jim's and the ongoing need for understanding and acceptance. It serves as a reminder that every individual regardless of their abilities deserves to be treated with respect and given the same opportunities as others.