WATERLOO – A Waterloo brewery was forced to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and make changes and upgrades to their establishment.
SingleSpeed Brewing Co., an Iowa corporation that owns and operates a facility at 325 Commercial Street in Waterloo, Iowa (the “Facility”), has agreed to settle a dispute with the United States regarding an allegation that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement resolves allegations that the Facility was noncompliant with the ADA’s accessibility requirements for public accommodations. As part of the settlement agreement, SingleSpeed has agreed to provide additional accessible seating to its seating spaces, standing spaces, and other dining surfaces. In addition, SingleSpeed has agreed to a number of additional alterations to its dining areas, entrances, and restrooms to come into compliance with ADA accessibility standards.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including restaurants and bars, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or raises an issue of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax noted that SingleSpeed cooperated throughout this investigation. “The steps agreed to by SingleSpeed will give individuals with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy what SingleSpeed has to offer, as required by the ADA. We hope others will continue to take their ADA obligations seriously as our office remains committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have full and equal access to places of public accommodation in the Northern District of Iowa.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Gillespie.
