A man with Tourette’s has spoken out after he was told to ‘control his behaviour’ or leave a pub where he was enjoying drinks with a friend.

Steve Ley, 35, from Devon, says the landlady told him to ‘try to be quiet’ as there were children around.

The musician, who has decided not to name the pub in question, choose to share his experience online to show the discrimination he receives on a regular basis.

He said: ‘It was a beautiful day and I was really happy to be out. I have drunk in there before but the landlady came over and was really rude and patronising to me.

‘I was asked to control my Tourette’s and to “try and be quiet and on my best behaviour”, and “if I was bad” I would have to get out.

‘I explained I can’t control it and that it just comes out. I also pointed out what she was saying was discrimination because I have a medical condition which I can’t help.

‘She then would not serve me so my friend got me another drink. I was able to stay.

‘I don’t want to name the pub; I just want to educate people. Killing it with kindness gets you a bit further in life. Children understand it better than adults sometimes.’

Steve, who is well known locally for his music and appearance on the BBC3 show Misfits Like Us, has had Tourette’s since he was six.

It began with an eye twitch and he then slowly developed vocal ticks as well.

He’s calling for people to better educate themselves about the condition.

‘It’s just a bit demoralising and it shouldn’t happen’, he said. ‘I seem to have more problems locally than I do anywhere else. I know everyone is struggling at the moment and things are difficult, but if you don’t know what Tourette’s is in this day and age then it’s strange.

‘I know what people hear can be quite offensive, but it does not mean I should have to leave somewhere. I don’t have a switch or a volume button. It’s discrimination.’

He added: ‘Having Tourette’s can make you feel really isolated and alone. It can make you feel anxious and depressed sometimes, and it’s something that you just can’t escape from. I constantly feel like I have to apologise for it.’

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