VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
SIOUXLAND DQ, INC., D/B/A DAIRY QUEEN RESTAURANT - HAMILTON BLVD. OF SIOUX CITY, IOWA
DJ# 202-27-80

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 Siouxland DQ, Inc., d/b/a Dairy Queen Restaurant - Hamilton Blvd. (the “Restaurant”) located at 400 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, Iowa 51103

WHEREAS, the United States conducted a 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. Siouxland DQ, Inc., 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. Siouxland DQ, Inc., is 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 Owner 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. DINING SURFACES

9. No accessible dining surfaces are provided anywhere in the restaurant, including the 18 tables (providing 77 seating spaces) inside the shop and the 10 tables (with 36 seating spaces) provided on the patio in front of the store.  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.  Accessible dining surfaces shall be dispersed throughout the restaurant.  1991 ADA Standards 5.1 with 28 C.F.R. 36.302(a) and 28 C.F.R. 36.304. (Note: there is an existing table with a T-shaped legs that could be accessible if the legs were at least 30” apart – they are 28 ½” now).

10. The wall mounted holder for the “cake book” opposite the main sales counter projects further (at 11”) than 4 inches between 27”-80” above finished floor.  1991 ADA Standards 4.4.1.

11. At the soda dispenser in the lobby, the small water and soda water buttons are mounted higher (at approx. 51” set 11” beyond the counter edge below) than the maximum 46 inch height allowed for an operable mechanism mounted above an  obstruction.  1991 ADA Standards 5.6 and 4.2.

IV. DOOR ENTRY

12. The main entrance door (North entry) has a threshold with an exterior height (at 1¼”)greater than the maximum ½” allowed.  Additionally, the slope of the exterior stoop is steeper (at 4.9%) than the maximum allowable level stoop required. 1991 ADA Standards 4.13.8 and 4.13.6.

13. The patio door (west side near Hamilton Blvd.) lacks (at 1” set 11 ½” deep) the minimum required 12‑inch latch side, push side maneuvering clearance on the interior side and lacks (at 9” set 9” deep) the minimum required 18‑inch latch side, pull side maneuvering clearance on the exterior side.  Additionally, the slope of the exterior stoop is steeper (at 5.3%) than the maximum allowable level stoop required. 1991 ADA Standards 4.13.6.

14. The South Entry door leading from the sidewalk along West 4th Street has a slope at the exterior stoop that is steeper (at 11.0%) than the maximum allowable level stoop required.  Additionally, the curb ramp flanking the drive-thru aisle on the pedestrian approach route from West 4th Street is steeper (at 25.7%) than the maximum 8.3% allowed.  There is no curb ramp on the opposite (South Entry) side of the pedestrian arrival point along West 4th Street.  Angled wall mounted advertising banners project further (at 5 ½”) than the maximum 4” allowed between 27”-80” above the sidewalk. 1991 ADA Standards 4.13.6, 4.7.2, 4.5.2 and 4.4.1.

V. PARKING

15. The two designated accessible parking spaces in front of the Main Entry Door (North door) have surface slopes that exceed the maximum allowable 2%.  The access aisle has a running slope of 9.7%, the east accessible parking space has a running slope of 8.0%, and the west accessible parking space has a running slope of 8.8% and a cross slope of 4.1%.  At these designated accessible parking spaces the only signs provided for these parking spaces are painted on the surface of the pavement and can be obscured by a vehicle parking in the space.  The walkway leading from these designated accessible parking spaces and North Entrance to the Outdoor Dining Patio has a cross slope steeper (at 4.1%) than the maximum allowable 2%.  1991 ADA Standards 4.6.3; 4.6.4; and, 4.3.7.

VI. POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

16. The Restaurant shall establish a written policy specifically addressing the provision of services to individuals with disabilities.

17. 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)).

VII. ALTERATIONS

18. 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.

VIII. MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

IX. ENFORCEMENT

22. 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.

X. GENERAL PROVISIONS

23. 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.
24. This document, and all information contained in it are public. The parties will provide a copy of this Agreement to any person upon request. This document may be posted on the Department's website.
    
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. This Agreement does not constitute an admission by the Restaurant of non‑compliance with any provision of the ADA.
28. The individuals signing this Agreement represent that they are authorized to bind the parties to this Agreement.
29. 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.
30. 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.