Birmingham pub criticised after wheelchair-bound man was carried out of bar by staff
The pub has since apologised and issued a statement addressing the incident
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Your support makes all the difference.A pub in Birmingham has been criticised after a wheel-chair bound cerebral palsy sufferer was carried out of a bar by bouncers who allegedly said he could only stay if he stood up.
Troy Hitchins, 20, had gone to the pub with his friends on a Saturday night, but was reportedly told he could only stay in the upstairs bar if he could get out of the wheelchair.
Mr Hitchins, who can only walk with the aid of crutches, was then taken away from the bar by two members of staff and carried down the stairs.
He later told the Daily Mail that he had been "humiliated" by the ordeal.
"I felt like everyone was watching me," he said. "I didn’t argue when they said I could stay if I could stand because I’m not an argumentative person."
Richard Perry, general manager of the King’s Head, released a statement via the pub’s Facebook page.
"I would firstly like to apologise for any ill feelings felt by the disabled gentlemen," he said.
"Unfortunately the lift is currently out of order and has been since December 2014. Our nominated lift repair company were called and attended on the day it broke down to attempt repair, as we understand the importance of ensuring all our customers can enjoy all our services."
Mr Perry said that once the duty manager was made aware of the situation he made an arrangement with Mr Hitchins and his friends that the supervisors would carry him back downstairs.
"We are deeply sorry for any confusion caused and we aim to ensure all affected parties involved in this matter are treated with the upmost decency," he concluded.
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