John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached settlement agreements with the Market Place Kitchen & Bar (the “Market Place”) in Newtown and its landlord, Mesa Contractors, to resolve allegations that the restaurant facility and its premises did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreements resolve an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Market Place was not fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. The Market Place and Mesa Contractors are in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreements. As part of its settlement agreement with the government, the Market Place will provide accessible dining tables throughout its restaurant facility, ensure equivalent service for individuals in the restaurant’s bar area, ensure access to the restaurant’s patio area, post accessible signage, and ensure that the restaurant’s restrooms meet accessibility requirements. As part of its settlement agreement with the government, Mesa Contractors will increase accessible parking spaces in the parking lot at 32 Church Hill Road in Newtown.
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. Federal law also bars the landlord of a place of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic 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 that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.