THE Grand Opera House in Belfast has launched a review after it found evidence that its wheelchair access scheme for theatre-goers was being 'misused'.
The popular theatre, which is gearing up for the busy Christmas pantomime season, runs a scheme whereby people with disabilities get a ticket free for a carer when they pay to see a show. However, they do not need to prove they are disabled in order to avail of the offer.
Management at the busy city centre theatre said they had evidence that the scheme launched two years ago "is being misused" with it being seen by some as an "opportunity to avail of free tickets".
The opera house has now launched a review of the Access For All membership scheme - which has 1,200 members.
The theatre said yesterday that it would be contacting all of those registered to explain why the review is under way.
In a letter, the theatre said: "It is very disappointing to have to make any changes to the services we offer our customers but regrettably we have to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, meets the needs of those people who need it most, as well as making sure that it remains a viable option of reasonable adjustment for the Grand Opera House."
A spokesman for the Grand Opera House said: "The scheme has been successful in the last two years and we hope that access for the most disadvantaged members of our community continues in the future.
"We will continue to liaise with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and our in-house disability advisory group to ensure that we maximise this access for those with disabilities and will be monitoring the use of the scheme in the new year before introducing any changes."