Restaurant bans disabled artist for 'putting off' diners

A disabled woman has been barred from her favourite restaurant for allegedly 'putting off' other customers.
Artist Catherine Blow, 47, had eaten there six or seven days a week for the past two years.

But last week the restaurant's owner, Francisco Conde, declared that he was losing trade because of her presence - and said he would not serve her there again.
Mr Conde said she could only have takeaways. He said: 'She might spend up to £400 a month here, but I lose more money because of the people who have been disgusted by her spitting on the floor.'

He could now face legal action for discrimination.

Miss Blow, who counts the artist David Hockney among her friends, has the degenerative Huntington's disease, and faces ever-increasing difficulties in moving and talking.

She was a 'brilliant' painter before the inherited condition began to take hold ten years ago.

Despite physical difficulties, she could still walk to the Galo D'Ouro in Battersea, and since it opened two years ago had been a loyal customer. She was said to be devastated when Mr Conde asked a friend to tell Miss Blow that he would no longer serve her in the restaurant.

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