By CASEY NEILL
A BLIND Springvale man has settled his differences with a restaurant that refused him entry with his guide dog.
Twanny Farrugia said a staff member at Nam Loong Restaurant in Russell Street, Melbourne, asked him and pooch Val to leave at lunchtime on 16 November last year.
He told the Journal that the staff member ignored his attempts to explain his dog was legally permitted in the restaurant and instead yelled at him.
“Since then, I took action against the restaurant management through the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission,” Mr Farrugia said.
The conciliation case was heard at the commission on Friday 19 June.
“After both parties presenting their case and discussing the matter, Nam Loong’s management profusely apologised to me on behalf of their staff member,” he said.
“Finally, it has now been resolved, and I am waiting for the Nam Loong management to sign the agreement reached between us.
“I like to thank Nam Loong management for their willingness to meet with me to reconcile our differences.
“This shows that if we are all willing to work together, successful outcomes agreeable to all parties can be reached.”
Mr Farrugia successfully sought action for similar treatment at a Clayton Restaurant on 29 October 2013,
“My purpose is when people talk about social inclusion that means everybody in the community,” he said.
