Accessibility and awareness are parts of the foundation – physically and culturally – for popular Coorparoo bar Beyond The Pale.
The awareness that a welcoming attitude and good access leads to a brew-ti-ful time for all is reflected in the bar’s initial design planning and its day-to-day staff training.
Owner Aidan McGarrity said understanding access and a welcoming spirit for everyone were the keys to creating an open venue.
“Small differences for us makes a big difference for our guests – that’s what we always tell our staff,” Mr McGarrity said.
“We are all about people and that means making our guests feel at ease by taking care of the small things, such as adjusting a chair or ensuring they are seated in the area with easiest access.”
Early planning is important
Good access was an important part of the establishment’s initial design phase, with the owners and designer working closely together to ensure low-seat dining and wider traffic areas.
“We keep walkways as clean and clear as possible, ensuring lots of circulation room and easy access for those who might be in a wheelchair or need assistance getting around,” Aidan said.
“We are close to a couple of restricted vision organisations and we have a lot of patrons with restricted vision and their carer dogs, so we always make sure they have appropriate space and that they are comfortable – the feedback from the community has been great.”
Brisbane mobility map
Brisbane City Council supports a range of better access initiatives, including the Brisbane Mobility Map – a guide to Brisbane’s city centre for people with impaired mobility.
The map shows accessible infrastructure in the CBD and City Botanic Gardens, including features such as seating, disability parking spots, accessible toilets, drop-off zones, taxi ranks and path gradients.
You can request a physical copy of the map by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888.
People with vision impairment can also call Council to request support to navigate the CBD.
Do you have a story?
Tell us about your business accessibility improvements and customer responses, problems solved, or what’s on your to-do list by emailing Council.