I understand that in ADA 226.3 and 227.3, a bar in a restaurant needs an accessible service and sales area.
But when a bar is part of an A occupancy dining facility (over 50 occupants), does it trigger companion seating per 221.1 and 221.3?
If "no", is that because the intent of the word "assembly" in 221.1 is for spectator viewing, not for dining or drinking?
If "yes", does that mean I need to provide a low seat at the bar for a companion to be at eye level with the person in the wheelchair?
Hi Yikes,
Here is your Answer from the US Access Board
The ADA 226.3 and 227.3, does a bar in a restaurant needs an accessible service and sales area.
Yes. The bar is functioning as a sales/service counter, so there needs to be a portion that at least complies with 904.4. The portion of the bar complying with 902 can double as the accessible sales counter. [also, 226.3 does not exist in the ADA]
If a bar is over 50 occupants, does it trigger companion seating per 221.1 and 221.3?
Companion seating is only required within assembly areas and has nothing to do with total number of occupants
If "no", is that because the intent of the word "assembly" in 221.1 is for spectator viewing, not for dining or drinking?
A dining/drinking area can be an assembly area (think Medieval Times), but if the intent of the space is solely for food/drinks then it’s not assembly.
106.5 Defined Terms
Assembly Area. A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes. For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms, legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands, or convention centers.
If "yes", does that mean I need to provide a low seat at the bar for a companion to be at eye level with the person in the wheelchair?
This would be a good recommendation (and I think is a requirement in California).
Josh Schorr
TA Coordinator
U.S. Access Board
1331 F. Street, NW, Suite 1000
Office: 202.272.0029
Cell: 202.480.7206
The ADA 226.3 and 227.3, does a bar in a restaurant needs an accessible service and sales area.
Yes. The bar is functioning as a sales/service counter, so there needs to be a portion that at least complies with 904.4. The portion of the bar complying with 902 can double as the accessible sales counter. [also, 226.3 does not exist in the ADA]
If a bar is over 50 occupants, does it trigger companion seating per 221.1 and 221.3?
Companion seating is only required within assembly areas and has nothing to do with total number of occupants
If "no", is that because the intent of the word "assembly" in 221.1 is for spectator viewing, not for dining or drinking?
A dining/drinking area can be an assembly area (think Medieval Times), but if the intent of the space is solely for food/drinks then it’s not assembly.
106.5 Defined Terms
Assembly Area. A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes. For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms, legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands, or convention centers.
If "yes", does that mean I need to provide a low seat at the bar for a companion to be at eye level with the person in the wheelchair?
This would be a good recommendation (and I think is a requirement in California).
Josh Schorr
TA Coordinator
U.S. Access Board
1331 F. Street, NW, Suite 1000
Office: 202.272.0029
Cell: 202.480.7206
