Published on: 24/04/18
Twenty-four-year-old Grace Currie, who had been hit by a car in 2010, was ordering a drink and tried to explain that she had suffered a brain injury, which caused her to slur her words.
However, she was taken out of the pub by a bouncer and was unable to collect her bag, phone and coat.
Grace’s carer came out of the pub and found Grace; her parents later complained to the pub manager.
The chain has apologised for the mistake and the "misjudgement" of staff.
Luke Griggs, Director of Communications at charity Headway, said: “Brain injury survivors should not have to face this kind of blatant discrimination.
“If staff had taken the time to speak with Grace, rather than jump to conclusions, then the needless upset and distress caused to her and her friends would have been avoided.
“This is entirely unacceptable behaviour from a pub chain that should know better.
“In December 2015, a similar incident took place to a brain injury survivor who was refused service and asked to leave by staff at the Gatehouse pub in Doncaster. At the time we were assured that staff would receive training and lessons would be learnt, but it would seem that these were empty promises.
“Apologies are all well and good, but what is needed is action. No-one with a disability should be treated in this manner.”
Headway launched a brain injury identity card for over 18s last year – this gives people confidence in asking for help and understanding if they need it.
The Brain Injury Hub also provides similar cards to children and young people upon request.
