Humiliated at bar after seizure
Wetherspoon manager said she was drunk
A Rutherglen mum was left “humiliated” and in tears by staff after she had an epileptic seizure in Cambuslang’sWetherspoon pub on Saturday.
Debbie Graham, 36, met her partner at The John Fairweather on the Main Street around 9pm for a meal and drink.
After ordering at the bar she went to the toilet and had a small seizure on the way back to her table, causing her to trip down the stairs.
Debbie, who is also recovering from cancer treatment, said: “The boy serving food then said ‘no more drink’ for us, adding that we were ‘too drunk’.
“I hadn’t even had my first drink. But I do not blame the young lad.
“I asked for the manager and explained I take seizures.
“His attitude was terrible and he asked ‘how can you walk after a seizure?’
“So I had to explain all about my epilepsy in the middle of a busy pub where everyone could hear. I even showed him my medication.
“He said, ‘well my staff say you’re too drunk,’ and he still wouldn’t serve us.
“My friends, who had been there a while, were refused also.”
Debbie continued: “The whole place heard him say I was drunk.
“I was in tears. I’ve never felt so small.
“And they never even asked if I was okay or said,‘ sorry you’re upset’.
“The manager badly needs training.”
Debbie was so embarrassed by the lack of discretion and sensitivity about her health that she and her partner decided to leave the bar without finishing their food or drink.
Her friend Samantha Hannaway added: “I am disgusted about this as an epilepsy sufferer myself.”
Management at the pub declined to comment and referred the Reformer to the pub chain’s head office.
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “A member of staff saw the lady stumble but hadn’t seen the seizure, so he presumed that she was intoxicated.
“She was told that she wouldn’t be served any more alcohol.
“She then told the staff member that her behaviour was due to her having had a seizure.
“The staff member asked if she would like him to call an ambulance but she declined. The staff member said that he was concerned for her health and due to the fact that she still seemed unwell, he would not serve her any more alcohol.
“The actions of the staff member were taken in good faith.
“However, we fully understand the lady’s concerns.”
Debbie added: “I am totally aware of what alcohol can do and it is my own choice. I am allowed a life.
“I take petit mal seizures which last 10 seconds so you wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t know. I have had no answers or satisfaction from Wetherspoons, but I am not highlighting this for myself. “It’s about awareness and respect. “What if this happened to a young girl who could not explain herself?
“She would never recover from the embarrassment.”
Anissa Tonberg from Epilepsy Scotland said: “It is not uncommon for us to hear about this kind of incident.
“Epilepsy is a hidden disability and people who have seizures are often mistaken as being drunk or on drugs immediately afterwards.
“The difficulty is the context if someone is in a bar.
“Epilepsy Scotland has worked with the bar trade and has also produced a training film for Police Scotland on how to recognise epilepsy, and what questions to ask.”
Ms Tonberg added: “People who have seizures are known to demonstrate unusual behaviour, such as walking out of a shop holding goods they have not paid for or not being able to get out of a taxi.
“Sometimes epilepsy is linked to learning disabilities such as autism.
“There is training available. We have even introduced the Epilepsy Friendly award for businesses to help raise awareness and confidence.”
I take petit mal seizures which last 10 seconds so you wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t know. I have had no answers or satisfaction from Wetherspoons, but I am not highlighting this for myself. It is about awareness and respect
Debbie Graham