JD Wetherspoon responds to BBC article regarding its policy on dogs, opens first pub in continental Europe: JD Wetherspoon has responded to a BBC article regarding its policy on dogs. The company said the article ‘Wetherspoon dogs policy could be breaking the law, watchdog says’, published on 6 February 2026, gives “a misleading impression of Wetherspoon’s dogs policy and the reasons for it”. It said it allows assistance dogs but asks for proof of training documentation from Assistance Dogs UK. The company also said it has taken advice from senior counsel and understands that it should make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate those with disabilities, “but must take into account, also, its responsibilities for the safety of employees and the public”. It said that in formulating policies, “account has to be taken of a substantial increase in what the police call dog incidents”, and the company cited several examples of reporting of increases in such incidents. The company said: “Wetherspoon itself has seen a big increase in dog incidents, even though only assistance dogs are allowed. 15 staff were bitten by dogs in 2025, compared to one in 2020. All parties agree that bona fide assistance dogs should be permitted in pubs. The only issue is whether pubs should request documentary proof of training. Surprisingly, perhaps, ADUK, an organisation which upholds the need for training and issues documentation accordingly, offers legal advice to the public which conflicts with Wetherspoon’s. ADUK told the BBC that ‘identification’, or documentation, was not a legal requirement. ADUK say, in effect, that documentation should not be requested and that pub staff should judge a dog, after entry, by its behaviour. The flaw in this approach is that the first sign of bad behaviour may be an incident of a customer or employee being bitten.” Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “This is a complex area for pubs and other organisations. The interests of those with disabilities need to be protected while, at the same time, employees and the public have to be protected from a substantial increase in dog incidents. The BBC article, unfortunately, did not explain Wetherspoon's broader legal responsibility for the safety of its customers and staff, which we set out in detail for them, and which is the reason for our policy. ADUK is an organisation which itself demands high levels of training for assistance dogs,  for which it issues documentary proof. Yet it is offering, in effect, legal advice to the public, which states that pub companies should not ask for documentation. Instead, according to ADUK, pub staff should be asked to make a judgement, after a dog is already in the pub, as to whether it is trained or not. It is inevitable, as a matter of common sense, that ADUK's advice, if followed, will lead to an increase in dog incidents in pubs, and may already have done so, in the absence of sensible checks in advance of entry. In contrast, Wetherspoon's policy clearly provides greater protection for employees and the public, and is consistent with established regulations in areas such as proof of age in pubs and blue badges for parking.” Meanwhile, JD Wetherspoon will today (Monday, 9 February), open its first pub in continental Europe – at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport in Spain. As previously reported, franchise partner Lagardère Travel Retail is operating the pub, Castell de Santa Bàrbera, which is located in departures (airside). The new-build, 1,000 square-foot pub is open seven days a week from 6am to 9pm. Food is served at all times up to an hour before closing, and the menu includes many meals available in Wetherspoon pubs in the UK, as well as local dishes including garlic prawns and Spanish omelette. Martin said: “We are delighted to have opened in Spain. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers travelling home from Alicante Airport, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for trips to England and beyond. We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.” Lagardère Travel Retail Spain & Portugal chief executive officer, Javier Cagigal, added: “At Alicante airport, our team has focused on understanding passenger expectations and translating that insight into a dining offer that is relevant and appealing. This opening reflects our locally driven approach and the way we work with partner brands across our portfolio.”