Disabled friends shocked when Indian restaurant declined service, citing they appeared ‘too ill to eat.’
Disabled Friends Refused Service at Restaurant
Incident Overview
In a recent incident at an Indian restaurant called Rahil Tandoori in Barry, South Wales, two disabled friends were denied service because the owner believed they looked "too ill to eat." Rhys Bowler, 36, and Skye Jordan were dining with a carer and a friend when they faced this shocking refusal.
What Happened?
Rhys and Skye arrived at the restaurant excited for a meal. Rhys, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and uses a motorized wheelchair, felt something was wrong right from the start. After being seated, their carer was asked to step outside. When she returned, she informed them that they were being asked to leave.
Rhys expressed his disbelief, stating, "He isn’t a doctor; who is he to decide whether I’m well enough to have an Indian meal?" This refusal was particularly embarrassing for both friends, especially because the owner attributed the decision to complaints from other diners.
The Owner’s Perspective
The owner of Rahil Tandoori, Mohammed Nazrul Alom, later admitted to turning away the pair because he thought their health conditions were severe. He claimed that he feared for their welfare, stating that he was not medically trained and worried about their safety while dining. Alom, aged 53, mentioned that he had served many disabled customers in the past without any issues. However, he felt that this particular instance was different due to their visible conditions.
Friends React to the Refusal
Rhys and Skye were devastated by the rejection. Rhys, who has led an active life despite his condition, and Skye, who has fibromyalgia, had enjoyed meals at restaurants before. They had even booked their table in advance and were looking forward to a meal together.
Skye recounted her anger about the incident, expressing disappointment in how they were treated. She asserted, "We didn’t go there to be medically treated; we went there to eat." Skye emphasized that they had asked other diners at the restaurant if they had complained, only to find that everyone they spoke to had been very supportive.
Support from Other Diners
After being asked to leave, Rhys and Skye found support from other patrons. Some diners expressed disgust at the treatment that Rhys and Skye had received and even accompanied them to a local pub where they bought them drinks. This moment highlighted the importance of community support, especially for individuals facing discrimination.
Online Backlash and Apologies
After the incident, Rhys took to social media to share their experience. He wrote that they were "practically kicked out" because the owner thought they were "too ill to eat" and that they were making other guests feel "uncomfortable." This post sparked a wave of responses, drawing attention to the incident and raising concerns about how disabled people are treated in public spaces.
In response to the online backlash, owner Mohammed Nazrul Alom issued an apology. He claimed that the situation had caused him distress, stating that he feared the social media reaction could put his business at risk. Alom mentioned that he had suffered a health scare following the incident, indicating how much the backlash impacted him personally.
Understanding Health Conditions
Rhys’s condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is a genetic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration. He uses a wheelchair and oxygen support but strives to live as full a life as possible. He has a degree in computer animation and even recently traveled to the United States. On the other hand, Skye’s fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterized by widespread pain. Both individuals embody the resilience and spirit of many who live with disabilities.
Restaurant’s Facilities and Limitations
Alom acknowledged that while Rahil Tandoori has served many disabled customers, the restaurant lacks certain facilities such as disabled toilets and proper access for wheelchair users. This lack of adequate facilities raises significant questions about accessibility in dining establishments. It underscores the need for restaurants to consider how their services can include a diverse range of customers.
The tension from this incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by many individuals with disabilities in everyday situations, especially in public venues where comfort and accessibility are critical.
Final Thoughts on Customer Treatment
The incident at Rahil Tandoori raises broader questions about how society views and treats individuals with disabilities. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves respect and should be able to enjoy a meal out without fear of being judged or turned away. Everyone’s experience matters, and discussions like these aim to create awareness and promote understanding. As the dialogue continues, it is essential for businesses to reflect on their policies and ensure that they are inclusive for all customers, regardless of physical ability.
