Medically-exempt man furious as he's refused entry to Ingoldmells pub for not wearing mask

A medically-exempt man says he was was left fuming after he was refused entry to a Ingoldmells pub - for not wearing a mask.
The official landyarn for those exempt of wearing a mask.The official landyarn for those exempt of wearing a mask.
The official landyarn for those exempt of wearing a mask.

Kevin Oakley had popped into Sealands on Roman Bank during a day trip from Hucknall, near Nottingham.

Mr Oakley said he was wearing the official sunflower hidden disability lanyarn and carrying the card.

"I am exempt from wearing a mask because of being autistic and suffer high mixed anxiety that leads to panic attacks," he told the Standard.

Kevin Oakley was refused entry to a pub in spite of wearing official lanyarn for invisible disabilities.Kevin Oakley was refused entry to a pub in spite of wearing official lanyarn for invisible disabilities.
Kevin Oakley was refused entry to a pub in spite of wearing official lanyarn for invisible disabilities.

"I only came out for a day trip to get away from home life after a messy divorce as now the children are off school and I’m off.

"However, when I went to the Sealands for a drink, they refused me entry.

"It clearly said outside that people would not be allowed entry if they were not wearing a mask but I hoped that would not be the case for me as I am exempt and wearing the official lanyarn.

"It really upset me and I asked to speak to the owner because I believe this is discriminating against people with hidden disabilities.

"I would like to share my concerns to let others know about my experience and to prove I am exempt."

The Skegness Standard has contacted Sealands regarding this but the manager has not been available for comment. We still hope to speak to her before going to press..

According to insuranceoctopus.co.uk, any business does have the right to refuse to provide a service.

However, it’s important to ensure this is not discriminatory. If a business refuses to serve a customer on discriminatory grounds, it is illegal

Discrimination includes issues such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion or disability, which are all protected characteristics.

The Government has issued some guidance, urging businesses to be “mindful and respectful” of circumstances when people cannot wear a face covering.

Government guidance states that “those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this”.

The government has created templates for exemption cards that people who are exempt from wearing face masks can choose to carry if they feel more comfortable having them.

On September 1, health minister Jo Churchill told parliament that the government has been “very clear that there may be people who should be exempt from wearing a covering for a variety of reasons. It is also clear that people do not need to prove it when challenged.”

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