Warner Robins Church’s Chicken resolves ADA service animal complaint

The investigation began after the office received a complaint from a veteran with a disability who uses a service animal.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins Church’s Chicken franchise has reached a resolution with federal officials following allegations it improperly excluded a customer with a disability accompanied by a service animal, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia announced the agreement with Askar Management Group, QSR Group Holdings, LLC, and QSR Southern Group, LLC, collectively known as QSR, which own and operate Church’s Chicken #749 at 1801 Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins.

The investigation began after the office received a complaint from a veteran with a disability who uses a service animal. The complaint alleged that an employee at the Watson Boulevard location refused to serve the veteran unless his service animal was removed from the restaurant dining room, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

U.S. Attorney Will Keyes released the following statement:

“Ensuring access for individuals with disabilities, including permitting service dogs, is required by the ADA. Our office is dedicated to protecting these rights and ensuring proper accommodation for all. We appreciate the cooperation by the owners of this Church’s Chicken franchise in Warner Robins in resolving this matter and demonstrating their commitment to customer accessibility.”

Under a Letter of Resolution, QSR agreed to adopt, maintain, implement and enforce a service animal policy. The company also agreed not to discriminate against or provide unequal treatment to people with disabilities who use service animals, provide training on the policy to employees and managers, post the policy in public areas and pay a $2,000 civil penalty to the United States. Officials said QSR cooperated with the government throughout the investigation.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of public accommodation, including restaurants and bars, are required to modify their policies, practices or procedures — such as a no-pet policy — to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. A service animal generally may go wherever the public is allowed, and a public accommodation may not require documentation about the service animal.

ADA complaints may be made by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia at 478-752-3511.