Jessica Lindsay works for Mid North Coast Disability Services at a respite centre.

"We do activities that clients nominate or we believe they would enjoy," she said.

One of Miss Lindsay's young, non-verbal clients "loves music and light displays" so she had the idea she would take him to Altitude Nightclub on William Street.

But when she contacted the nightclub she said the response she received was not encouraging.

"They said there was no disability access and no ramps," Miss Lindsay said.

Miss Lindsay said she found their response concerning.

"It was really disappointing to be basically told in lesser words that we weren't welcome there," she said.

Miss Lindsay said Altitude's attitude is reflective of other businesses in town.

"They are not just losing a business opportunity but excluding a group of people," she said.

However, there are businesses in Port Macquarie such as Majestic Cinema, that have prioritised disability access.

CEO Kieren Dell acknowledged that "disabled access is required by law" but labelled it "an important customer service".

"Many of our customers are either disabled or elderly and access to be able to enjoy the magic of the movies is important to them and therefore important to us from both an equity and a business point of view," he said.

He advises businesses to "engage with your customers to find their needs as well as consult relevant industry bodies if you are unsure of what is required".

"Our Open Caption screenings came about after demand from our customers wanting this experience in preference to individual Hearing Impaired equipment, showing we are open to evolving our access options where possible," Mr Dell said.

Regional Manager of the Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Kellon Beard described it as "poor business" to exclude a section of the population.

"People with a disability are a growing part of the economy and represent approximately 20% of the population, so it makes good business sense to cater for them," he said.

"People with access issues a lot of the time have others with them to assist or support them, so when a business does not cater for their needs, they are missing a substantial business opportunity."

Mr Beard said Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has an Access Committee that can come to their premises and provide advice.

"The changes required to improve access are usually not expensive and will be of benefit to all of your customers," he said.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is in the process of implementing its own Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Altitude Nightclub was contacted for comment but did not return calls and messages from The Port News.

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