The WRC found that Dealz Limited discriminated against Nadine Lattimore after a security guard challenged her guide dog in a shop, awarding her €7,000. The decision, dated 25 June 2024, also directs Dealz to provide repeat staff training and display signs welcoming guide dogs and assistance dogs.
Lattimore had entered a Dealz shop to buy balloons with her guide dog, Pilot, when a security guard told her the dog was not allowed. A manager then said the dog was welcome, acknowledged a mistake and apologised; the guard also apologised. Lattimore said she felt humiliated and embarrassed and was concerned that she had to identify her disability in public.
Dealz denied responsibility for discrimination and argued that contracted security staff were separate from its own employees. The adjudication officer found Lattimore had been treated less favourably than a person without a visual impairment would have been treated. Under the Equal Status Act, service providers must not discriminate against people using their services.