Blind Owner and Service Labrador Kicked Out of Seattle Restaurant by Clueless Staff Member

On August 8 a legally blind man named Paul from Seattle posted a video on TikTok claiming that he was kicked out of a restaurant for attempting to enter with his service dog.

To make this entire situation worse, the staff member who denied him entry threatened to call the police on Paul if he returned with his dog's paperwork.

The video was shared by the TikTok account for @matthewandpaul and people are rightfully outraged. One person, who obviously has a manager who knows what the heck they are doing,  commented, "My manager sent this to our work chat to make sure we don’t do the same." Good job! Another person replied, "Happened to a friend of mine, he called the police and they fined the restaurant. The manager ended up getting fired too." Can't say I'm sad about that outcome.

Related: Service Dog Asks for His Mom’s Help With a ‘Crisis’ While at Work

In the video Paul explained that the restaurant employee told him you don't look blind and then "He said, ‘Listen, this isn't my first rodeo’ — he literally said that — he said, ‘This isn't my first rodeo.’”

Then in an unintentionally hilarious exchange the employee asked ‘Do you see any other dogs in this restaurant?’ I said, ‘Honestly, no. I'm blind. There could be.’”

When Paul said he could come back with his dog's paperwork, that's when the staff member threatened to call the police. Paul ended the video by saying, "I'm speechless."

This is discrimination, plain and simple. Do better, people! I can't even imagine how Paul must have felt but this sort of ridiculous behavior happens to people with service dogs all the time and it's just inexcusable.

I hope the next time Paul and his dog attempt to get a bite to eat they are welcome with the best customer service ever, because they should be.

How To Interact With a Guide Dog

In the simplest terms possible, you shouldn't. Guide and service dogs aren't there for you to pet or talk to or interact with, but if you feel like you absolutely must, here are a few simple guidelines.

Before petting a guide or service dog, you should always ask their owner or handler. Even if you see a guide dog not wearing their service harness, you should always ask for permission before interacting with the dog, so that the handler can maintain control.

Always give guide and service dogs the right of way. Practice good etiquette by moving to the side and allowing the handler and dog to pass. Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog's harness. You should ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm.

Never feed a guide or service dog without their owner's permission.

Speak to the handler, not the dog, and never give their service dog commands.

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are allowed to be accompanied by their guide or service dog in all places the public is permitted. Here's hoping more businesses start to remember that.

I'm glad Paul shared his story. Hopefully more places of business will take note that this is disgraceful.

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