VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
THE IRISH SHANTI
DJ# 202-27-92

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq., provides, among other things, that "[n]o individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation," 42 U.S.C. § 12182(a); and

WHEREAS, the term "public accommodation" under the ADA includes "a restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink," 42 U.S.C. § 12181(7)(B); and

WHEREAS, the ADA authorizes the United States Department of Justice to "undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities," 42 U.S.C. § 12188(b)(1)(A)(i); and

WHEREAS, the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa (the "United States"), pursuant to its authority under 42 U.S.C. § 12188(b)(1)(A)(i), commenced a limited review of certain restaurants in the Northern District of Iowa to determine, with respect to the specific areas reviewed, whether those restaurants were operating in compliance with Title III of the ADA (the "Compliance Review"); and

WHEREAS, as part of the Compliance Review, the United States requested information from the owners and operators of The Irish Shanti (the “Restaurant”) located at 17455 Gunder Rd. Elgin, IA  52141; and

WHEREAS, the United States conducted a limited site inspection of certain features and facilities within the Restaurant, and met with representatives of the Restaurant; and

WHEREAS, the United States and the Restaurant share the goal of resolving the Compliance Review and ensuring that the Restaurant operates in compliance with Title III of the ADA; and

WHEREAS, in light of the actions taken by the Restaurant to date to comply with the ADA, the actions taken by the Restaurant during the period of the Compliance Review, and the actions that the Restaurant has agreed to take within the next three years as set forth in this agreement (the "Agreement"), the United States has decided to take no further enforcement action at this time with respect to the Restaurant as a result of this Compliance Review;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED, BY AND BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THE RESTAURANT, AS FOLLOWS:

I. APPLICATION AND PARTIES BOUND

1. The Restaurant is a place of public accommodation within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12181(7) because, among other things, it is “a restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink.”  42 U.S.C. § 12181(7)(B); see 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
2. Kevin Walsh, is the Owner (“Owner”) of the Restaurant a public accommodation within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.  See 42 U.S.C. § 12182(a); 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
3. Kevin Walsh, the Operator (“Operator”) of the Restaurant, a public accommodation within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.  See 42 U.S.C. § 12182(a); 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
4. This Agreement shall be binding on the Owner and the Operator, and each of their agents and employees. In the event the Owner seeks to transfer or assign all or part of their interest in the Restaurant, and the successor or assignee intends on carrying on the same or similar use of the facility, as a condition of sale the Owners shall obtain the written agreement of the successor or assignee to any obligations remaining under this Agreement for the remaining term of this Agreement.
5. This Agreement shall apply to all public use areas within the Restaurant. This includes, but is not limited to: public entrances, waiting areas, bar areas, dining areas, toilet rooms, and corridors. This Agreement shall not apply to non-public use areas, such as food preparation and storage locations, employee locker rooms, and other service-related areas.

II. DEFINITIONS

6. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Standards” means the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
7. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “accessible” means in compliance with the Standards.
8. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “alterations” means a change to the Restaurant that affects or could affect the usability of the building or facility or any part thereof and includes, but is not limited to, “remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, changes or rearrangement in structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions. Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, asbestos removal, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are not alterations unless they affect the usability of the building or facility.” See 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.151(b), 36.402.

III. PARKING

9. The two designated accessible parking spaces in the gravel parking lot need to be regraded and paved so these two accessible parking spaces comply with the surface slope, van accessible dimensions and signage requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards. 1991 ADA Standards 4.1.2(5); 4.6. The Restaurant will remedy this Finding in Spring 2017.
10. The gravel route between the two designated accessible parking spaces and the main restaurant entrance is not firm and stable as required. Need new accessible concrete, paver or asphalt pavement with slopes compliant with 2010 ADA Standards 4.3 and 4.13.6 at the stoop of the entry door (at 5% now). 1991 ADA Standards 4.5.1 & 4.13.6. The Restaurant will remedy this Finding in Spring 2017.

IV. ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

11. The wooden boardwalk that makes up the route to the dining deck on the side of the restaurant from the gravel parking lot needs to be adjusted so the cross slope (currently at 5.7%) is no steeper than 2% and is linked to the new concrete/asphalt pavement at the accessible parking and entry stoop. This route will ultimately be the designated accessible route for those with disabilities who wish to dine on the exterior covered dining deck as the service door between the deck and the building is not accessible and is not easily modified to comply with ADA 1991 ADA Standards 4.3.7. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.

V. DINING AREAS

12. The wooden boardwalk that makes up the route to the dining deck on the side of the restaurant from the gravel parking lot needs to be adjusted so the cross slope (currently at 5.7%) is no steeper than 2% and is linked to the new concrete/asphalt pavement at the accessible parking and entry stoop. This route will ultimately be the designated accessible route for those with disabilities who wish to dine on the exterior covered dining deck as the service door between the deck and the building is not accessible and is not easily modified to comply with ADA 1991 ADA Standards 4.3.7. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
13. The downspout and flood light at the boardwalk leading to the dining deck on the side of the restaurant needs to be removed or redirected so it is not positioned in the approach route with a height lower than 80" as blind customers might not bump their heads. 1991 ADA Standards 4.4. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
14. The checkout counter at the bar where dining patrons pay for their meal is higher (at 46") than the maximum 36" allowed by ADA Provide a new lowered portion of the bar at the cash register that meets 2010 ADA Standards. 1991 ADA Standards 7.2. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit proof in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
15. The 63 3/8" high coat rod at the main entrance lacks a lowered accessible location for disabled patrons to hang their coats. 1991 ADA Standards 4.25.3. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
16. The drink rail that wraps the column opposite the cash register lacks a cane detectable base so blind patrons don't run into the corners of the drink rail. 1991 ADA Standards 4.4. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit proof in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
17. No accessible dining surfaces are provided (1 required) in the exterior deck area of the restaurant (10 stools at 41" high top tables). For the main dining room, there are adequate (7) accessible dining spaces. At least 5 percent of the seating or standing spaces at dining surfaces provided shall provide clear floor space a minimum of 30 inches wide and a minimum of 48 inches deep positioned for a forward wheelchair approach, with knee and toe clearance extending a minimum of 17 inches under the dining surface, and a dining surface 28 inches minimum and 34 inches maximum above the finished floor. 1991 ADA Standards 5.1; 2010 ADA Standards 226.1 with 28 C.F.R.36.302(a) and 28 C.F.R. 36.304. The Restaurant has proposed to use this as a smoking section and will submit a proposal by April 3, 2017, to make it accessible.

VI. MEN’S AND WOMEN’S RESTROOMS

18. The single-user Unisex Restroom has the following barriers:
1. The bottom of the reflecting surface of the mirror is higher (at 54") than the 40" maximum height allowed per ADA.1991 ADA Standards 4.19.6. Restaurant has remedied this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
2. The door into the restroom is not wide enough (at 28 3/4") to ensure the minimum required 32" clear passage width and has inaccessible round knob hardware. Note: For readily achievable barrier removal, an alternative modification for this condition would be to install "swing-clear'' hinges and remove the bottom 34" portions of the two door stops on the door jambs so there is a 30 V4" clear passage width that was deemed acceptable for barrier removal by the DOJ Title Ill Technical Assistance Manual (see Illustration at 111-4.4300 Standards to apply). 1991 ADA Standards 4.13.3. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit proof in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
3. The interior and exterior side of the entry threshold is higher (at 7/8") than the maximum 11.2" threshold allowed per ADA and the bevel slope is steeper (at 1:1) than the maximum 1:2 allowed.1991 ADA Standards 4.13.8. Restaurant has remedied this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
4. The toilet is centered further (at 20 1/2") than the 16"-18" allowed from the side wall - provide two 2x8 spacer boards sandwiched together on which the side grab bar will be remounted per ADA Standards. 1991 ADA Standards 4.16.2. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit proof in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
5. The diaper changing work surface {when opened) is higher (at 37 1/2") than the maximum 34" AFF height allowed per 1991 ADA Standards 4.32.4. Changing table lowered to meet requirements. Restaurant has remedied this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
6. The side grab bar in this single user restroom is shorter (at 36") than the minimum 42" length required by 1991 ADA Standards 4.16.4. The Restaurant has proposed a solution to this Finding and will submit proof in support thereof by April 3, 2017.
7. The room identification sign for the Single User Restroom is mounted on the out-swinging door rather than on the surface of the wall on the latch side of the door as required by 1991 ADA Standards 4.1.3(16)(a). Restaurant has remedied this Finding and will submit photos in support thereof by April 3, 2017.

VII. POLICIES, PRACTICES, AND PROCEDURES

19. The Restaurant shall establish a written policy specifically addressing the provision of services to individuals with disabilities.
20. The Restaurant’s policy shall specify, among other things, that
    1. persons with disabilities may make reservations in the same way and on the same  terms  that  other  persons  can  make  reservations  (see  28   C.F.R.§ 36.302);
    2. all reservation staff (including staff located on-site at the Restaurant and staff located off-site at a reservations center) shall have ready access to information about the Restaurant’s accessibility features for use in assisting customers in making reservations and answering questions (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302);
    3. accessible features inside and outside the Restaurant must be maintained in good working order (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302);
    4. parking spaces may be reserved for individuals with disabilities, or in the alternative,  valet  parking  is  available  (see  2010  Standards  §  209.4; 28 C.F.R. § 36.305);
    5. employees will receive basic training on how to accommodate persons with disabilities (e.g., overview of the Restaurant’s accessibility features, dealing with service animals, etc.) (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302(a));
    6. restaurant staff is to be trained to offer assistance, upon request, to persons with disabilities who may need assistance in using Restaurant services (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302(a));
    7. Restaurant staff is to be made available to move tables, and provide and adjust accessible features of the facility when features require installation or adjustment to ensure accessibility (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302(a));
    8. Restaurant menus, and all other printed materials provided for use by patrons, also be available in alternate formats so that blind persons and persons with low vision can read them (alternate formats include Braille, large print, and audio recording) (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.303(b));
    9. dietary information (either on its menus or elsewhere) will be provided for patrons with diabetes or those with food allergies (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302);
    10. special foods will be provided to meet a patron’s dietary needs upon request (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.307);
    11. persons with disabilities may use service animals, without imposing any extra charges or conditions, in all public areas of the facility, including restrooms (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302(c)); and
    12. Restaurant employees shall receive training on the proper manner for determining whether an animal qualifies as a service animal (see 28 C.F.R. § 36.302(c)(6)).

VIII. ALTERATIONS

21. The Owner and Operator acknowledge and agree that any alteration to the Restaurant “shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the altered portions of the facility are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.” See 28 C.F.R. § 36.402(a). The Owner and Operator further acknowledge and agree that if an alteration affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area of the Restaurant that contains a primary function, that alteration shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered area and the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless the cost and scope of  such  alterations  is  disproportionate  to  the  cost  of  the  overall  alteration.    See  28 C.F.R. § 36.403(a)(1). The Owner and Operator agree to notify the United States, in writing, of any alterations to the Restaurant commenced during the term of this Agreement and shall, in that notification, specify the steps taken to ensure that the alterations comply with the Standards to the maximum extent feasible.

IX. MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

22. Every year during the term of this Agreement on the anniversary date of the effective date of the Agreement, the Restaurant shall provide to the United States a narrative report of the actions taken during the reporting period to remove any barriers to access and otherwise enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities at the Restaurant and any plans for action concerning ADA compliance in the coming year. The report shall include as an exhibit copies of any complaint, whether formal or informal, received during the reporting period alleging that the Restaurant was not being operated in compliance with the ADA or otherwise discriminated against any person on account of disability.
23. The Owner and Operator of the Restaurant shall cooperate in good faith with any and all reasonable requests by the United States for access to the Restaurant and for information and documents concerning the Restaurant’s compliance with this Agreement and the ADA.
24. The United States shall have the right to verify compliance with this Agreement and the ADA, both as set forth in this Agreement and through any means available to the general public, including visits to the public areas of the Restaurant and communications with Restaurant staff.  The United States shall have the right to inspect the facility at any time, and counsel for the United States need not identify themselves in the course of visits to the public areas.

X. ENFORCEMENT

25. If the United States believes that this Agreement or any of its requirements has been violated, it will notify the Owner and Operator of the Restaurant in writing and attempt to resolve the issue or issues in good faith. If the United States and the Owner and Operator of the Restaurant are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the issue or issues, the United States may commence a civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa to enforce the terms of this Agreement and/or the ADA.

XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

26. In consideration for the Restaurant’s timely performance of all of its obligations under this Agreement, the United States agrees to discontinue the Compliance Review of the Restaurant, except as provided in the Enforcement portion of this Agreement. The United States reserves the right to investigate any complaint it receives concerning the Restaurant, to initiate future compliance reviews concerning the Restaurant with respect to any aspect of the Restaurant or its operation not expressly addressed in Parts III through X of this Agreement, and to investigate and commence a civil action with respect to any violation of the ADA. In the event the United States receives and investigates an ADA complaint concerning the Restaurant, or commences any future compliance review concerning the Restaurant, nothing in this Agreement shall limit the scope of any investigation or compliance review of the Restaurant or preclude the United States from seeking relief beyond that required under this Agreement.
27. A copy of this Agreement shall be made available to any person upon request.
28. The Effective Date of this Agreement is the date of the last signature on the Agreement.  The term of this Agreement is three years from the Effective Date.
29. This Agreement memorializes the commitments made by the Owner and Operator of the Restaurant to increase accessibility of the Restaurant and the terms under which the United States has agreed to conclude this particular Compliance Review of the Restaurant without further review or enforcement action. This Agreement is not intended to certify or signify, however, that the Restaurant is now (or, with the actions taken pursuant to this Agreement, will be) in full compliance with the ADA, or constitute a finding by the United States of such compliance, and it may not be used in any proceeding to signify such compliance. This Agreement does not affect the Restaurant’s continuing responsibility and obligation to comply with all aspects of the ADA. This Agreement is not intended to reflect any legal interpretation of any provisions of the ADA by the United States, and it may not be used in any proceeding to demonstrate such legal interpretations.
30. This Agreement does not constitute an admission by the Restaurant of non-compliance with any provision of the ADA.
31. The individuals signing this Agreement represent that they are authorized to bind the parties to this Agreement.
32. Failure by the United States to enforce the entire Agreement, with regard to any deadline or any other provision of the Agreement, shall not be construed as a waiver of its right to enforce other deadlines or provisions of the Agreement.
33. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the compliance review, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either written or oral, made by either party or agents of either party, that is not contained in this Agreement, shall be enforceable.