Bennigan’s in Mandan settles after violating ADA

(KNOX) – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota has reached a settlement with Bennigan’s restaurant of Mandan, North Dakota, after the establishment violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Specifically, a complaint alleged that a Bennigan’s employee told the complainant they were not allowed to have the service animal in the restaurant and incorrectly said that they needed documentation for the service animal.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities who use service animals may enter places of public accommodations, such as restaurants, with their service animals. The service animal must be allowed in any part of the restaurant customers are normally allowed to be. There is no requirement that people with disabilities show any documentation, licensure, or certification, nor is there a requirement that the service animal be wearing any vest, harness, or collar that indicates it is a service animal.

Under the settlement, Bennigan’s agreed to adopt a service animal non-discrimination policy for its restaurant… provide relevant training to its employees regarding the ADA… post signage indicating service animals are welcome… and pay $1,000 in damages.