Southington Restaurant to Make ADA Improvements

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A popular Southington restaurant improving accessibility in a cooperative effort with the U.S. Attorney's office, authorities said.

John H. Durham, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, said Monday that his office has reached a settlement agreement with the Smokin’ with Chris Restaurant in Southington to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an "individual with mobility disabilities" that claimed the restaurant was not accessible.

The restaurant is in the process of making the changes to its facility required by the settlement agreement, including creating accessible parking spaces, adding an accessible entry route and entrance to the restaurant, providing a ramp to the accessible entrance, constructing an accessible restroom, and adding accessible seating in the dining, bar, and patio areas, Durham said.

Smokin’ with Chris owners will continue to make improvements to the facility over the next year, he added.

Durham praised the owners of Smokin’ with Chris, who " worked collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues and to increase the restaurant’s accessibility without litigation."

He added, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s restaurants and other places of public accommodation. We appreciate the cooperation of the owners of Smokin’ with Chris throughout our investigation and their readiness to agree to remediate the restaurant’s architectural barriers.”

The popular restaurant is located at 59 West Center St. in Southington.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

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