Following the disappointing experiences of Farnham disabled campaigner Suzan Lewis Jones, MP Jeremy Hunt, who is also Shadow Minister for Disabled People, has said a step change is necessary before people with disabilities are able to enjoy pubs and restaurants on the same terms as everyone else. Mr Hunt said: “Pubs and restaurants across the country have a responsibility under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 to make sure their services are accessible to people with disabilities. It is not just a question of ramps – seating arrangements and lavatories are also vital. “What Suzan discovered in Farnham is true all over the country, and it is clearly going to take some time before there is a level playing field. We must remember that the number of elderly people with disabilities is doubling every decade, so this problem is not going to go away until there is a sea change in mentalities.”Ms Lewis Jones carried out her survey on behalf of Leonard Cheshire to check on the accessibility of pubs nationwide. She audited two unnamed pubs in Farnham, and her results were incorporated into the organisation’s nationwide report.Mr Hunt continued: “I hope to work closely with Leonard Cheshire to help lobby the Government and hospitality operators to ensure people with disabilities are not unnecessarily discriminated against. People who have disabilities are more than entitled to the same social opportunities as other members of society.“Leonard Cheshire has suggested that the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) produce of a clear code of practice for pubs and bars on how to cater for people with disabilities. This is something I wholeheartedly support.”