"Restaurant Refusing Assistance Dog for Hearing-Impaired Person Is a Clear Act of Discrimination"

A Fine of Up to 3 Million Won for Unjustified Refusal of Assistance Dogs
Daejeon Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination Criticizes Restaurant and Police
Calls for Apology and Legal Education on Assistance Dog Access

The Daejeon Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination has criticized an incident in which a restaurant in Daejeon refused entry to an assistance dog for a person with a disability, calling it "a clear act of discrimination."

On May 9, the Daejeon Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination issued a statement, saying, "Refusing entry to an assistance dog for a person with hearing impairment is a clear act of discrimination." The organization added, "An institution that is supposed to uphold the law has instead condoned, perpetuated, and reproduced discrimination and prejudice. This reveals a lack of human rights sensitivity within public authorities."

The organization further demanded, "The restaurant and the police should issue a public apology to Mr. A, who is hearing-impaired. The Daejeon city government and local authorities must provide legal education regarding the entry of assistance dogs for people with disabilities to all restaurants and multi-use facilities in the region." They also urged, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should launch a campaign to raise public awareness."

Video capture from Mr. A's side.

Previously, Mr. A reported through social media that on April 30, he was denied entry to a restaurant in Seo-gu, Daejeon, while accompanied by his assistance dog.

At the time, Mr. A presented an assistance dog identification card issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. However, the restaurant repeatedly blocked entry, stating, "Only guide dogs for the visually impaired are allowed." Mr. A also claimed, "The police officers who responded to the incident questioned the presence of an assistance dog for a hearing-impaired person."

Currently, it has been confirmed that Mr. A has filed complaints with the Daejeon city government, the National Human Rights Commission, and the National Police Agency.

According to the amended Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, which took effect on April 23, restaurants, public transportation, public places, and lodging facilities cannot refuse entry to people with disabilities accompanied by assistance dogs without justifiable reason.

Except in cases where infection control is required, such as sterile rooms or operating rooms in medical institutions, or where hygiene management is necessary, such as kitchens or storage facilities in group cafeterias or restaurants, refusal of entry is subject to a fine of up to 3 million won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.