An 18-year-old wheelchair user says she was escorted out of a Manchester nightclub after staff deemed her presence a ‘safety risk.’ Maddie Haining, a university student, described the incident as humiliating and discriminatory.
According to Haining, the incident occurred last Saturday at a popular nightspot in Manchester’s city center. She claims staff told her the venue wasn’t equipped to accommodate wheelchair users during busy periods. ‘They said I was blocking emergency exits, which wasn’t true – I was seated at a table,’ Haining told BBC News.
Disability rights advocates have called for an investigation. ‘This appears to be a clear violation of the Equality Act 2010,’ said a spokesperson for Disability Rights UK. Nightclub representatives declined to comment on the specific allegation but stated they ‘welcome all patrons’ and are reviewing accessibility policies.
The case highlights ongoing challenges for disabled patrons in the UK’s nightlife scene. A 2023 government report found 42% of entertainment venues had inadequate wheelchair access. Legal analysts suggest this incident could test the boundaries of disability discrimination laws in hospitality settings.