MANDAN – A Mandan restaurant has reached a settlement with the North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office to resolve a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The complaint against Bennigan’s Restaurant of Mandan alleged the restaurant had refused to allow a veteran with a disability from entering the establishment with their service animal. The U.S. Attorney’s investigation found a Bennigan’s employee had incorrectly told the complainant they needed documentation or an indicator for the service animal, which is not required by the ADA.

Bennigan’s agreed to adopt a service animal non-discrimination policy, post signage indicating service animals are welcome and provide relevant ADA training for employees. Bennigan’s also agreed to pay $1,000 in damages.

“People with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are entitled to come and go freely in the community,” said United States Attorney Mac Schneider. “Bennigan’s cooperated throughout this investigation, and I commend its commitment to take swift remedial action.”