Mexican restaurant in Brookfield resolves dispute with disabled patrons

Hacienda Don Manuel Restaurant in Brookfield is receiving a letter of resolution from the state attorney general”™s office certifying that it is now in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

The letter will settle an ADA complaint filed by an individual with mobility disabilities alleging that the Mexican-themed restaurant”™s bar counter was not accessible to individuals in wheelchairs and that Hacienda Don Manuel would not provide “happy hour” services to individuals in wheelchairs sitting at tables in the restaurant.

The restaurant has agreed to design and build a fully accessible bar counter with a low section for individuals who use wheelchairs. Additionally, Hacienda Don Manuel will institute a written policy regarding the provision of happy hour specials to individuals with disabilities who may need to sit at tables within the restaurant.

The establishment will also train managers, bartenders and staff on the new policy and on the provision of services to individuals with disabilities. Hacienda Don Manuel is required to perform these obligations within six months.

“We appreciate that Hacienda Don Manuel”™s ownership and management cooperated during our investigation and we commend their prompt action to ensure the restaurant”™s compliance with the ADA,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut John Durham.