AN AYRSHIRE mum says she's been left "heartbroken" after her autistic daughter was told to leave a play area at a local restaurant.

Megan Fitzsimons, from Kilwinning, spoke about the incident at the Monkton Lodge near Prestwick Airport - saying her daughter had been "penalised" for "being autistic".

Staff at the play area had reportedly told Megan and her three-year-old daughter that they had to leave the space as Megan's daughter, who has sensory issues and is non-verbal, was not wearing any socks.

The Monkton Lodge is part of the Brewers Fayre pub and restaurant chain, owned by parent company Whitbread.

Megan described the incident which occurred on Monday, May 22.

She told the Advertiser: "At lunch time I took my daughter to Brewer's Fayre in Monkton where they have a soft play.

"We have been there many times before, and the staff were always fantastic with my three-year-old daughter who is autistic, non-verbal and understands no social cues or rules.

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"This time it was different staff. My daughter struggles with sensory issues and refuses socks - which has never been a problem in any of our past visits - and within two minutes of entering, my daughter had removed her socks and we were immediately asked to leave.

"I explained how my daughter had a disability and could not help the fact she is unable to wear socks, but the staff member looked at me as if I was stupid and I asked for the manager.

"She came and reiterated what the staff member said. 

"I stated many times it is not my daughter's fault and she has a medical reason. They refused to make any accommodations.

"At this point my daughter was distraught as I had removed her from one of her favourite places."

Megan said she then went to her car with her father and waited for the restaurant's manager to come back with a phone number so that Megan could lodge a complaint.

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She continued: "[The manager] then came out to the car, and her 'solution' was that she could come in and play - but if other children arrived she would have to leave.

"I left feeling heartbroken for my daughter who cannot control or understand these things.

"She has every right to play like other children, and where it is possible children should comply to rules and regulations.

"But this was unacceptable. Accommodations should always be made for children with disabilities so things like play areas are accessible for them.

"The whole day was ruined for her, the anxiety caused by being whipped away.

"She was the only child in there for the whole time we were there - and they still kicked her out.

"They penalised my daughter for being autistic."

A Brewer's Fayre spokesperson said: "For hygiene reasons all children are required to wear socks in the Brewers Fayre play areas UK-wide.

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"In this instance, the team tried to find a compromise by allowing the child to play without socks under adult supervision whilst the area was quiet.

"However when the play area became busier, they were asked if socks could be worn.  

"As a business we are wholeheartedly committed to diversity and inclusion and recognise that true inclusion never stands still – it’s a commitment that continually evolves, and we are always looking for ways to improve our guest experience.

"We’re proud to welcome millions of disabled customers - including people with hidden disabilities and those with long-term health conditions - to our hotels and restaurants across the UK every year. 

"We are so sorry to hear our guest is upset and will be reaching out to her directly to discuss this matter."