Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
PUB SORRY FOR MEAL ORDEAL OF MAN WITH TOURETTE’S
Family went out for a birthday meal but were left with a sour taste
‘I do not like to be belittled in front of a pub full of people’ Tourette’s sufferer George Brabham
A Tourette’s sufferer claims he was belittled by a pub landlord who asked him to “keep the noise down” in front of other punters.
George Brabham says his confidence has been knocked after he felt forced to abandon his plans for a birthday meal at the Golden Lion in Broad Oak.
Twin Jack has taken the pub to task on social media accusing landlord Colin Robson of failing to take his brother’s disability into account.
Mr Robson has apologised if offence was caused but has stood his ground on his actions saying he had to consider the needs of other customers.
The Brabhams, who live in The Avenue, Hersden, had headed to the Golden Lion intending to celebrate their 23rd birthday with their mum.
As they ordered drinks, Mr Brabham, whose condition causes him to shout out involuntarily, claims he was asked to keep quiet.
Jack Brabham told the Gazette: “George was trying to explain that he has Tourette’s and that it’s not his fault.
“Mum cottoned on to what was going on so she explained the situation.”
Mr Brabham says they had planned to sit in a discreet corner to eat but that his brother was again asked to keep his voice down.
“I really think people need to watch and think about what they say before they say it,” he said.
Mr Brabham – a trustee of Hersden Community Centre – says he has been to the pub before, including with a wheelchair-bound client.
“They were excellent on previous occasions – they really went out of their way to accommodate us,” he said.
“I’m afraid on this occasion we feel badly let down.”
He voiced his concern on social media, prompting a flood of support.
But others leapt to the pub’s defence, and in one case accused the Brabhams of making the incident up.
Writing on Facebook, George Brabham said: “I am the disabled brother and if you were there you clearly would have seen what happened that night.
“I do not like to be belittled in front of a pub full of people, it takes a lot of confidence for me to go out and then to go to a (nice friendly pub) and have my confidence knocked down.”
Inquiries to the pub were initially referred to the Shepherd Neame brewery.
It came back with a response attributed to Mr Robson, the pub’s licensee.
He said: “We are sorry for any offence caused. We look to provide excellent service and a warm welcome to all our customers.
“On this occasion it was not possible to balance this party’s requirements with that of our other customers and their young families.
“We tried to accommodate everyone’s needs by offering a choice of alternative seating.”
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