Woman fighting for change after being denied service at Macclesfield pub due to medical assistance dog
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 22nd Oct 2025
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 22nd Oct 2025
A woman who was banned from entering a Macclesfield pub because of her medical assistance dog is fighting for change.
Niamh MacLoughlin is calling on Wetherspoons to review their policies after she was denied service at the Society Rooms.
The 22-year-old visited recently with her assistance dog, Blu, who is trained to alert her when a medical episode is about to occur and then retrieve her medication.
However, she was denied entry and told she would not be served if she sat down.
Niamh said: "This wasn't just an inconvenience - it was discrimination, and it left me feeling stripped of dignity and inclusion in a place that should welcome everyone.
"It made me feel invalidated, anxious and deflated but also determined to fight for what's right especially for other people."
Niamh added: "I'm not seeking sympathy - I'm seeking change.
"No one should ever have to justify their disability or the presence of their assistance dog in a public space.
"I would like Wetherspoons to provide a formal apology and to update their policies that are in line with UK law and to educate their staff on assistance dog awareness."
Niamh visited the pub on Park Green on Tuesday, September 16, and was told by the duty manager that she would not be served if she sat down.
She says the manager refused to even look at Blu's public access certificate and a card outlining Niamh's legal rights under the Equality Act 2010.
"I have experienced some questioning before but never direct discrimination to this level," Niamh said.
"What made this even more disheartening is that I am a professional dog trainer myself - I have dedicated my career to understanding and supporting the bond between people and their dogs, especially those that change lives through their work.
"To be treated with such disregard despite my knowledge, preparation, and legitimate need, was both humiliating and painful."
JD Wetherspoon has been approached for comment.
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