Wetherspoons refuses to serve disabled man because they thought he was drunk

| Live News Reporter Published August 27, 2026 2:07pm Updated August 27, 2026 2:48pm Matthew had gone out to celebrate his late mother’s birthday (Picture: Wales News Service) A man was refused service at a Wetherspoon’s pub after staff mistook his medical condition for drunkenness. Matthew Ball, 22, had gone to the Malcolm Uphill pub in Caerphilly, Wales, to mark the birthday of his late mother, Rachel. After showing staff his disability card at the pub, Matthew, who suffers from a rare neurological condition, was refused service. Matthew suffers from Niemann-Pick disease type C, which affects his speech, balance and mobility. His sister Abby said: ‘Matthew wasn’t drunk. He was displaying symptoms of his neurological condition. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. Wetherspoon has since apologised for the mistake (Picture: Wales News Service) ‘He showed staff and security his disability card, yet he was still treated as though he was simply intoxicated.’ Niemann-Pick disease type C is a rare, inherited genetic disorder that damages organs like the brain, liver, and spleen over time. Sister Abby said the condition had already led to Matthew suffering falls and broken bones and being unable to work. She said: ‘He should not have to lose even more of his freedom because people mistake the symptoms of his disability for drunkenness.’ A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon said: ‘After discussing his medical condition with a member of door staff, Mr Ball entered the pub on August 22, and bought a pint. ‘When Mr Ball approached the bar to purchase a further drink, during a busy trading period, a different member of staff mistakenly thought the customer had too much to drink, and he was refused service. ‘The company apologises to Mr Ball and looks forward to Mr Ball and his family returning as customers in the future.’ The family wants improved disability awareness among hospitality staff so those with medical conditions are treated with dignity. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: The 5 UK seaside towns perfect for an end-of-summer escape Arrow MORE: Customers are ‘phubbing’ in shops, cafés, and pubs — and staff are sick of it Arrow MORE: ‘I would never:’ Hikers divided over queues on Wales’ highest mountain News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.