An Amherst nail salon has learned the hard way that it cannot have a blanket “no dogs allowed” policy.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that it has reached a settlement with Le Petit Nails & Spa on Transit Road to resolve a complaint that the business refused to cater to a person with a service dog, which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, according to the Western District U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Under the settlement agreement, the salon has agreed to refrain from discriminating against anyone on the basis of having a disability, including those who require the use of a service animal. Le Petit has also agreed to post signs at its business that clearly state: “Notice: Service Animals Welcome,” according to the agreement.
The DOJ is responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The complaint was filed with the DOJ by an unidentified U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has a military service-connected, post-traumatic stress disorder for which he receives psychiatric treatment and requires the use of a service dog. According to the complaint, the man also suffers from depression and anxiety, for which he also receives treatment.
The man who initiated the complaint said he tried to enter Le Petit last year with his wife to obtain a pedicure. He said he was stopped at the door by an employee of the establishment who informed him that dogs were not allowed inside the business. After some discussion, he was told the same thing by the business owner.
The incident “left him feeling ‘isolated and invalidated,'” the complaint said.
A person who answered the telephone at Le Petit Nails & Spa on Monday said the owner of the salon was not available to comment.
As part of its agreement with the DOJ, the business has agreed to post signs in conspicuous locations on the front door and at the front desk of the establishment that announce service animals are welcome.
In addition, Le Petit Nails &…
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