U.S. ATTORNEY REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH THE AQUA
TURF CLUB TO ENSURE ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced a settlement agreement with the Aqua Turf Club of Plantsville, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that the restrooms in its banquet halls are inaccessible to those with mobility disabilities. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, including mobility impairments, by places of public accommodation. Aqua Turf is a banquet facility that can accommodate up to 2000 people at events ranging from business conferences to wedding receptions and is covered by Title III of the ADA.
Pursuant to the agreement, Aqua Turf agreed to make renovations, primarily to its restrooms, in each of its banquet halls (Kay’s Pier North, Kay’s Pier South, the Wagon Room and the Glass Room) to comply with the ADA’s requirement for places of public accommodation built prior to January 26, 1993, that such facilities remove architectural barriers to access where such removal is readily achievable.
Aqua Turf’s owners and management worked cooperatively with the United States Attorney’s Office to address this matter. While denying ADA liability, Aqua Turf has already completed the required renovations to its restrooms in Kay’s Pier North and Kay’s Pier South. It is required by the agreement to submit to the United States proposed plans for additional renovations by August 1, 2012.
“Ensuring that people with mobility impairments have equal access to places of public accommodation is an important component of the ADA’s promises and protections,” said United States Attorney Fein. “We hope that this agreement will serve as a reminder to other businesses serving the public about their responsibilities under Title III of the ADA. Even facilities that were built prior to the ADA’s enactment in 1992 must remove physical barriers to access so that they can be enjoyed equally by people with mobility impairments.”
The enforcement of the ADA is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the ADA and its application to places of public accommodation can be found at www.ada.gov. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Perkins.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov
