Creating an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant restaurant requires a strategy. Otherwise, your company may face a lawsuit. You can avoid such matters by following guidelines to ensure your establishment is compliant. We’re going to talk about what is necessary to make a restaurant ADA compliant.
Restaurants meeting ADA compliance are ensuring all their customers, no matter if they’re disabled or not, are enjoying the same dining experience and service. A restaurant is ADA compliant when the establishment has:
- Designated parking spaces that include a level surface
- Restroom accessibility that provides for wheelchair maneuverability
- Door handles, levers, and doorways that are accessible
- All potential barriers removed, eliminated, or other accommodations set up
- Restaurant tables and chairs that are ADA compliant
What types of restaurants are required to be ADA compliant? What size?
According to the ADA Network, ”all titles of the ADA, including Title I (employment practices of private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees); Title II (programs and activities of state and local government entities); and Title III (private entities that are considered places of public accommodation).”
Title III specifically applies to restaurant ownership. Those who own a restaurant and are employing 15 or more employees must follow ADA guidelines per the statements above.
What heights do tables need to be? What amount of space is necessary for maneuvering through the restaurant?
There should be no problem for individuals with disabilities to maneuver efficiently throughout your restaurant. That means you should have aisles that are at measuring at least 36 inches (0.91 m) wide. The table and counter heights should be at least 28 to 34 inches (0.86 m) high, allowing for those who are in wheelchairs to have accommodations.
Restaurant tables that are ADA compliant will measure 27 inches (0.69 m) tall, 30 inches (0.76 m) wide, and 19 inches (ca. 48 cm) deep to allow plenty of knee room. Counters for food ordering should stand at least 36 inches (0.91 m) tall and have a separate area for serving those who have difficulty reaching. There are no ADA requirements for restaurant chairs.
What type of furniture is ADA compliant?
Guidelines the ADA provide states that at least five percent of restaurant tables or check-out counters must be accessible to those who are in wheelchairs. That means they must be at least 36 inches (0.91 m) high. Your restaurant can have a mix of restaurant tables and restaurant chairs that are ADA compliant. When necessary, you can move things around to accommodate your customer’s needs.
If you’re using a table with a heavy top, like granite restaurant tables, for example, consider a non-moveable base for extra safety. That way, there’s no chance it will topple over if it’s bumped accidentally. Laminate restaurant tables, however, move around quickly if you need to create wider aisles or push tables together for large parties.
Wrapping Up
Creating an ADA compliant restaurant begins with reading and understanding the guidelines. As a restaurant owner, you cannot overlook these facts. Not only will your customers appreciate the steps you’re taking to ensure they’re enjoying their experiences in your restaurant, but they’ll also see that you’re a responsible business owner.
