The champion will use their ‘influential status’ to raise awareness of the need to improve access, customer service and staff training to ensure that venues understand the needs of disabled consumers.
The minister for disabled people health and work, Sarah Newton, said: “There are nearly 14 million disabled people living in the UK, and just like everyone else they enjoy going out to eat and drink as a way of socialising with friends. But poor access and customer service often mean disabled people might just choose to stay at home instead.
“The food and drink industry must ensure it is capitalising on the spending power of disabled people and their households – the Purple Pound – worth £249 billion every year.”
The new champion will join the existing 14 champions who are already attempting to drive improvements to the accessibility of services and facilities in a range of sectors, including banking, music and tourism.
Applications for the new disability champion opened yesterday (3 December).