Service Animals Must be Allowed in Restaurants June 23, 2022 A guest was denied service at a restaurant when the owner advised her no pets were allowed. After reassuring the owner her dog was a service animal, the owner advised it was his right to refuse service and told her to leave. The investigation found substantial evidence supporting her claim of disability discrimination. The parties reached a Conciliation Agreement in principle, but the Complainant ultimately declined to sign the document to preserve her right to seek punitive damages in civil court. The Executive Director substituted as the complainant to pursue the Commission’s public policy goals of training and the Respondent’s adoption of an effective non-discrimination policy. A Conciliation Agreement was approved on December 29, 2021. The Commission continues to monitor the terms of the agreement.