Disabled man barred for being fire risk

A Leeds wheelchair champion has been awarded compensation after being refused entry to a bar in the city because he was considered a fire risk as the bar had no disabled access.

Paul Cartwright, who has been the British Wheelchair Champion for 10 years in a row, was on a night out with friends when he tried to get into the OK Karaoke bar in East Parade. However he was told he would not be able to get in because the bar had no ramp or lift.

Mr Cartwright sued the bar under the Disability Discrimination Act and has been awarded £3,000 in Leeds County Court for hurt feelings, the way he was treated on the night and the effect it has had on him since.

Mr Cartwright received an apology from Stephen Hawkins, a director of the firm that owns the bar. He said he had owned properties in Leeds for 20 years and all his other buildings had disabled access.

Mr Cartwright said he brought the action to draw attention to the responsibility for people to make adequate provision to allow wheelchair users access to their premises. Disabled people don't look for special treatment. We want to live our day-to-day lives just like anyone else," he said.

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