The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in the 1990s to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. In the food industry, this act ensures that individuals with disabilities can dine comfortably and receive the same working conditions and rights as able-bodied restaurant employees. These regulations are enforced by the Department of Justice for all restaurant buildings and facilities.
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Restaurant ADA Compliance Guide
How to ensure that your Restaurant is ADA Compliant
The Restaurant ADA Compliance Act is a crucial piece of civil rights legislation that mandates all dining establishments accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have an equal dining experience and service. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission oversees that disabled employees are protected from discrimination. The ADA compliance requirements apply to public accommodations and businesses with over 14 employees. In essence, this act serves as guidance for restaurateurs and commercial business owners to understand and adhere to ADA requirements, making their establishments accessible to both customers and employees.
Customer Accessibility
Barrier removal is one of the most significant challenges restaurateurs face in achieving ADA compliance. Many obstacles aren’t immediately apparent to those without disabilities, but architectural barriers can impede access for both able-bodied and disabled patrons. Addressing these barriers is a core component of the ADA Compliance Act. Making adjustments to these areas can greatly improve customer accessibility. While the cost of restructuring to accommodate disabilities may seem daunting, the ADA was not designed to impose financial hardship. Barrier removal is required only when it is feasible. If a business cannot afford immediate changes, the barriers may remain until they can be addressed within the budget.
Legally, restaurants must provide designated parking spaces for disabled patrons, with a minimum width of 8 feet. These spaces should have a surface slope of 2 percent or less and be equipped with safety rails to ensure safe access for wheelchair users. There should be at least one accessible parking space for every 25 spots, and an 8-foot-wide access aisle for van accessibility. Accessible parking should be located as close as possible to the main entrance. If your main entrance is not accessible but other entrances are, open these to the public and clearly mark them. A ramp or lift should be provided at the entrance. For restaurants located on upper floors without elevator access, offering delivery service to the customer’s home or car can meet ADA compliance standards.
ADA Restaurant Seating Requirements
Upon arrival at your restaurant, customers with disabilities should be able to navigate safely and efficiently. Aisles between shelves or restaurant tables should be at least 36 inches wide, and merchandise or restaurant furniture should be within reach unless staff is readily available to assist. This regulation also applies to self-service counters offering condiments or utensils in fast-food establishments.
According to ADA restaurant seating requirements, table tops and counters must be between 28 and 34 inches high to accommodate customers in wheelchairs. ADA-compliant tables must provide knee clearance of at least 30 inches in width, 27 inches in height, and 19 inches in depth. Food ordering counters should be no higher than 36 inches or have a designated accessible area where staff can assist customers or serve food that may otherwise be out of reach. Restaurant chairs and bar stools do not have specific ADA height requirements, though Section 90.3 specifies that restaurant benches must have seats that are at least 42 inches in length.
Compliance for Restrooms
Meeting ADA bathroom requirements is essential to ensure accessibility for disabled customers, particularly those who are blind or use wheelchairs. There must be sufficient space for a wheelchair to maneuver from the toilet to the sink, with safety bars installed to prevent falls. Adding restroom signs in braille is a simple way to provide helpful information to visually impaired patrons. Adequate clearance under the sink should allow wheelchair users to reach the soap, faucet, and soap dispenser handles comfortably. The faucet should also be easy to operate for patrons with mobility impairments.
Considerations for Employees
The ADA compliance was established with protecting patrons and employees in mind. As a restaurateur or a hiring manager, it is crucial for you to familiarize yourself with the aspects of the ADA compliance. First and foremost, it is illegal to refrain from hiring someone solely based on their disability, under the ADA regulations. If you are aware of your employee’s disability, you must find reasonable working accommodations for him or her. Although, you are exempt from making such accommodations if they prove to be an undue difficulty which can become a significant financial expense or a disruption for the business. Ultimately, you can transfer an employee to a different department if he/she possess the relevant qualifications to perform efficiently as you see necessary.