A restaurant must be accessible to disabled persons in many different ways pursuant to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Not knowing the details of this law and the hundreds of regulations enacted under the law could have a significant adverse affect on your business.

Companies that have workers and that deal with public accommodations will generally have two different typos  obligations under the ADA: (1) obligations to customers and (2) obligations to employees. We will be focusing only only Number 1 – obligations to customers.

Your business needs to be accessible both from the outside in, as well as inside.  A path of travel to the entryway or an entryway, means  for example, if the surface leading to the entry is not relatively level, you may need to offer ramps to get to the entryway, or an alternative entry into your resturant, as well as accessible parking.  Inside you will need to provide accessible features.  Older buildings may not need to do as much as newer or remodeled buildings.  Disabilities’ can be many different types, from people who use wheelchairs, canes, walkers or crutches. Tables and seating options should also be accessible. You will need to ensure that your bathrooms are accessible as well.

Other ADA compliance issues may include helping customers who can’t see the menu, either through providing Braille or through staff support and signage for bathrooms that include Braille.

If you have questions about a demand made on you, please contact us for more guidance.