Motel discrimination lawsuit settled

COEUR d'ALENE - A service dog owner's claim of discrimination by Budget Saver Motel has been settled with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's office.

Wendy J. Olson announced Monday that her office's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit has completed its investigation and settled the case in which the motel discriminated against a disabled patron by charging her an extra fee for having a service dog.

The extra fee was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the ADA. Budget Saver Motel has refunded the extra fee to the patron, issued a written apology and posted a service dog policy that complies with the ADA. The motel also paid the patron $500 for her distress.

"The Americans with Disabilities Act provides equal access to public accommodations for people with disabilities," Olson said. "I applaud Assistant United States Attorney Amy Howe and the Budget Saver Motel for acting quickly and cooperatively when the violation in this case was identified. Businesses that serve the public must understand their obligations under the ADA."

Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must, with few exceptions, allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. Short-stay motels are included in these businesses. To learn more about the ADA and the Department of Justice's enforcement efforts, go to www.ada.gov.

Management at the Budget Saver Motel, 1519 Sherman Ave., declined comment Monday.