The Tony Daniels Asda scooter dispute centres on claims by 73-year-old Tony Daniels that he was asked to leave an Asda store in Widnes after refusing to provide his personal details before using an in-store mobility scooter.
Tony says he felt unfairly treated during the incident, while Asda maintains that requesting basic customer information is a standard safety policy applied to customers using its mobility scooters.
The incident has since prompted wider discussion about accessibility, customer service, and the consistent application of retail policies across UK supermarkets.
Key Highlights:
- Tony Daniels claims he was asked to leave after refusing to provide his name and address.
- He says the experience differed from his regular visits to another Asda store.
- Asda states requesting customer details is part of its standard mobility scooter policy.
- The incident has raised questions about disability support, accessibility, and consistent customer service in UK retail.
Who Is Tony Daniels?
Tony Daniels is a retired builder, father of four and grandfather of nine from Mossley Hill, Liverpool. He relies on two walking sticks because of multiple health conditions and said cancer is his most recent diagnosis.
According to his account, mobility scooters enable him to shop independently, making access to them an important part of his regular supermarket visits.
He also explained that he frequently shops at Asda’s Smithdown Road store, where he says staff have always provided a mobility scooter without asking for his personal details and have often assisted him with packing and shopping.
What Happened at the Widnes Asda Store?
On 18 June 2025, Tony Daniels visited the Asda supermarket on Widnes Road intending to use one of the store’s mobility scooters. He said a security guard informed him that he would first need to provide his name and address.
Tony refused to provide the information and instead requested to speak with the store manager. According to his account, the situation quickly escalated.
Tony Daniels’ Account
Tony said the security guard used a walkie-talkie before several security guards approached him.
He alleged that he was surrounded by three to four security guards before the manager arrived. According to Tony, the manager’s first words were:
“I don’t like your attitude, and I’m going to tell you to leave. We want you to leave now.”
Tony described the experience as upsetting, saying the issue was not simply about using the mobility scooter but about how he felt he was treated.
He also said:
“I’m disabled, I wasn’t a threat to anybody.”
Tony explained that the incident affected him emotionally, adding that he still becomes upset when thinking about it.
He said he could barely breathe during the encounter and believed he was close to suffering a hypoglycaemic episode inside the store.
Why Did the Dispute Start?
The disagreement centred on whether Tony Daniels should provide personal details before using one of Asda’s mobility scooters.
Different Perspectives
- Tony Daniels’ position: He believed providing his personal information was unnecessary because he had never been asked for those details when using mobility scooters at his regular Asda store on Smithdown Road.
- Asda’s position: The supermarket said requesting basic customer details is part of its standard policy for customers using in-store mobility scooters.
- Key difference: Tony believed the Widnes store was applying a procedure that differed from his usual shopping experience, while Asda maintained the policy applies across all stores.
What Is Asda’s Mobility Scooter Policy?
Following the incident, Asda confirmed that customers using mobility scooters in its stores may be asked to provide a few details before using the equipment.
According to the retailer, the policy exists to help protect both customers and colleagues and forms part of its normal operating procedures.
The company also stated that where appropriate, customers may be asked to use one of the supermarket’s own mobility scooters instead of bringing their own equipment into store.
| Policy Area | Asda’s Explanation |
|---|---|
| Customer details | Customers may be asked to provide basic information before using an in-store mobility scooter. |
| Purpose | To support customer and colleague safety. |
| Application | The company says the policy applies across all stores. |
| Follow-up | Asda confirmed it has written to Tony Daniels explaining the policy. |
An Asda spokesperson said:
“To ensure colleague and customer safety, we politely ask anyone using a mobility scooter in store to provide a few details and, where needed, use one of our in-store scooters.”
The spokesperson added that this is standard across the business and is intended to support the safety of all customers.
Asda also confirmed it remains willing to speak directly with Mr Daniels should he have any further questions.
Why Has the Story Sparked Public Debate?
The incident has prompted wider discussions beyond the disagreement itself.
Many people have questioned whether accessibility procedures should be implemented more consistently across stores, particularly when regular customers report different experiences at different locations.
Others have focused on how situations involving disabled customers should be handled to avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary distress.
The case has also highlighted the importance of clear communication whenever customer safety policies are introduced or enforced.
Timeline of the Tony Daniels Asda Scooter Dispute
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 June 2025 | Tony Daniels visited Asda Widnes and requested a mobility scooter. |
| Same visit | Security staff requested his name and address before providing the scooter. |
| Shortly afterwards | Tony refused, asked to speak with the manager, and said security staff surrounded him. |
| During the incident | Tony said he was instructed to leave the store. |
| After media attention | Asda confirmed its policy and said it had written to Mr Daniels explaining the procedure. |
Key Facts Confirmed So Far
Several aspects of the story have been confirmed through public statements, while others remain matters of personal account.
- Tony Daniels says he was asked to leave the Widnes Asda store.
- He says the disagreement began after refusing to provide his name and address.
- He states he normally uses mobility scooters without providing those details at another Asda store.
- Asda says requesting customer details is its standard policy when using in-store mobility scooters.
- The retailer has confirmed it contacted Mr Daniels to explain the policy and remains open to further discussions.
Lessons for Retailers
Although the circumstances remain disputed, the incident demonstrates several important considerations for retailers.
Clear communication of accessibility policies can help customers understand why certain information is requested.
Consistent implementation across different branches may also reduce confusion, particularly for regular shoppers who visit multiple locations.
Staff training also plays a significant role in ensuring potentially sensitive situations involving disabled customers are handled respectfully while balancing safety requirements.
What Should UK Shoppers Know About Accessibility Policies?
For shoppers who rely on mobility scooters or other accessibility support, it is important to understand that store procedures can vary depending on the type of equipment being used and individual branch operations.
If customers are unsure why certain information is being requested, asking staff for clarification can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smoother shopping experience.
At the same time, retailers benefit from clearly explaining their policies so customers feel informed and respected.
Related Points to Consider
- How accessibility policies differ between retailers
- Why personal information may be requested for safety reasons
- The importance of clear communication between staff and customers
- Ways shoppers can raise concerns or seek clarification in-store
Conclusion
The Tony Daniels Asda scooter dispute has become more than a disagreement between one customer and a supermarket.
It has opened a broader conversation about disability support, customer experience and the practical application of accessibility policies across major retailers.
While Tony Daniels has shared his personal experience of the incident, Asda has reiterated that its procedures are designed with customer and colleague safety in mind.
As both perspectives remain part of the public discussion, the case highlights the value of transparent communication and consistent customer care when dealing with accessibility needs.
FAQs About Tony Daniels Asda Scooter Dispute
Was Tony Daniels banned from Asda?
There has been no indication that Tony Daniels was permanently banned. He said he was asked to leave the Widnes store during the incident.
Why did Asda ask for his details?
According to Asda, customers using in-store mobility scooters are asked to provide basic details as part of a standard safety procedure.
Does every Asda store follow the same policy?
Asda says the policy is standard across all stores, although Tony Daniels said his experience at another branch had been different.
Has Asda apologised?
The company has confirmed it wrote to Tony Daniels explaining its policy but has not publicly announced an apology.
What rights do disabled shoppers have?
UK retailers are generally expected to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers while also maintaining safety procedures within their stores.
Has the dispute been resolved?
Asda has said it remains willing to speak with Tony Daniels directly. No further public resolution has been announced.
Why has this story received widespread attention?
The incident has generated discussion because it combines issues relating to disability access, customer service and the consistent application of retail policies.
Leave a Reply