The US Attorney’s Office for the State of Connecticut reached settlement agreements with the Market Place Kitchen & Bar of 32 Church Hill Road and with its landlord, Mesa Contractors, December 17, to resolve allegations that the restaurant and its premises did not comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The two 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, according to a statement from the US Attorney.

As part of its settlement agreement with the government, Mesa Contractors will increase accessible parking spaces in the parking lot.

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 US 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.

The owners of Market Place Kitchen & Bar and Mesa Contractors cooperated throughout the investigation, according to the US Attorney’s statement.

Anyone who wants 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 US Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.