Restaurant Owner Violated Federal Law, Settlement Orders Changes

WESTFIELD – A restaurant owner refused an inside table to a veteran and his service dog, violating federal law, according to Department of Justice documents obtained by WNYNewsNow.
The federal investigation conducted last July revealed that David Zimmerman, Owner of When Pigs Fly Restaurant, violated Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act when he physically prevented a veteran from sitting in the dining room by blocking his path.
Zimmerman told the veteran that his service dog was not allowed in the dining room, which, in turn, caused humiliation for the man and his family, the settlement said.
Zimmerman took the man and his dog outside to a noisy, crowded patio where a live band was performing, according to federal investigators.
Veterans with post traumatic stress disorder are susceptible to being triggered in loud environments, investigators said.
Zimmerman claimed that he was unaware that the dog was a service animal.
The settlement orders When Pigs Fly Restaurant to train the entire staff on ADA requirements, adopt and publish a service animal policy, and not retaliate or coerce any person with disabilities.
Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is against the law to discriminate on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodation of any place of public accommodation.