A man was refused service at a Wetherspoon's pub in Wales after staff mistook his medical condition for drunkenness. Matthew Ball, 22, had visited the Malcolm Uphill pub in Caerphilly to mark the birthday of his late mother, Rachel.
Matthew, who suffers from Niemann-Pick disease type C, a rare neurological condition affecting his speech, balance and mobility, showed staff his disability card but was still refused service.
Family speaks out
His sister Abby said: 'Matthew wasn't drunk. He was displaying symptoms of his neurological condition.' She added: 'He showed staff and security his disability card, yet he was still treated as though he was simply intoxicated.'
Niemann-Pick disease type C is a rare, inherited genetic disorder that damages organs like the brain, liver, and spleen over time. Abby said the condition had already led to Matthew suffering falls and broken bones and being unable to work.
She said: 'He should not have to lose even more of his freedom because people mistake the symptoms of his disability for drunkenness.'
Pub apologises
A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon said: 'After discussing his medical condition with a member of door staff, Mr Ball entered the pub on August 22, and bought a pint.'
'When Mr Ball approached the bar to purchase a further drink, during a busy trading period, a different member of staff mistakenly thought the customer had too much to drink, and he was refused service.'
'The company apologises to Mr Ball and looks forward to Mr Ball and his family returning as customers in the future.'
The family wants improved disability awareness among hospitality staff so those with medical conditions are treated with dignity.
