RE: WCAG-ISSUE-23 (DavidMacD): We should consider a new "Failure to provide role=presentation on a layout table"

In the particular case of layout tables, a consistent question since 2008 has been "Can you use layout tables and be accessible?".

It is actually quite a difficult question to answer, the normative text doesn't say you cannot use layout tables, but there is a non-linked advisory for "Using CSS rather than tables for page layout". There is an overall impression that you shouldn't, but nowhere in writing that says you cannot.

As noted on this thread, the impact of layout tables can be minimal, and adding this particular failure would change the status of many pages.

Overall, I agree with Loretta, I think an addition sufficient technique for using role="presentation" at least gives a positive thing to do if you have to use layout tables. It would provide an explicit way of passing SC1.3.1, which would be helpful doing audits.
-Alastair