Elanor Maxey, a disabled woman who depends on her service dog Genie, alleges she has been banned from every Asda store across the UK. The dispute began after an argument at the Asda Broadway store in Bexleyheath, which was recorded on video and shared on TikTok, where it has garnered over 3 million views.
The viral footage shows a security guard refusing entry to Elanor and Genie, demanding a “service ID” and a dog licence—both of which are not legally required in the UK. Elanor stated, “Today, Genie and I have now been officially banned from every Asda in Britain simply because I didn’t present her ‘Service ID’—something that doesn’t exist.”
She also dismissed the guard’s request for a dog licence, explaining that these have not been necessary for decades. “This is outdated nonsense,” she said.
The situation escalated when Elanor was accused of breaching the Data Protection Act for filming the staff during the encounter. She defended her actions, saying she needed to document the ordeal to defend her rights. At the time, she had only popped in to grab a sandwich after feeling dizzy. “I was already unwell and just needed something quick,” she explained.
Elanor praised bystanders who intervened during the incident: “I’m so thankful there were brave people who tried to advocate for me. Even though the store ignored them, it’s great to know kind souls will stand up when human rights are trampled.”
An Asda spokesperson issued an apology for Elanor’s experience, stating, “This falls short of the welcoming culture we strive for at Asda. Assistance dogs are welcome in all stores, and we are urgently reminding our colleagues of this policy.”
The Equality Act 2010 protects the rights of disabled people, making it unlawful to refuse access to those accompanied by assistance dogs except in rare circumstances. However, whether Asda’s ban is lawful can only be determined by a court after considering the full context.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion online, with many calling for greater understanding and respect for the rights of disabled individuals, particularly regarding their service animals.
Originally published by UKNIP.
