Define: Public Accommodation

Public Accommodation
Public Accommodation
Quick Summary of Public Accommodation

Public accommodation encompasses businesses that offer services to the general public, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment establishments. These businesses are obligated to treat all customers equally, irrespective of their race, religion, or other personal attributes. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 safeguards this principle, prohibiting businesses from discriminating against customers based on specific characteristics. In essence, public accommodation guarantees that everyone should have equal access to services and opportunities, free from any form of discrimination.

Full Definition Of Public Accommodation

Public accommodations refer to businesses or establishments that offer services, such as lodging, food, entertainment, or other services to the general public. These businesses are considered public accommodations if they affect interstate commerce or are supported by state action. Examples of public accommodations include hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, and amusement parks. These businesses are open to everyone and must provide their services to anyone who meets their requirements, regardless of their protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, and others. Discrimination based on these characteristics is prohibited, and businesses must provide their services to everyone without any form of discrimination. For instance, a hotel cannot deny renting a room to someone because of their race, and a restaurant cannot refuse to serve someone because of their religion.

Public Accommodation FAQ'S

A public accommodation refers to any place that offers goods, services, or facilities to the general public. This can include hotels, restaurants, theaters, stores, and other establishments.

No, it is illegal for a public accommodation to discriminate against individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic under federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

No, public accommodations are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to their goods and services, unless it would cause an undue burden on the business.

Laws regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity vary by jurisdiction. In some places, it is illegal to discriminate against individuals based on these characteristics, while in others, the laws may be more limited or nonexistent.

Public accommodations generally cannot discriminate against individuals based on their religious beliefs. However, there may be exceptions if providing the requested service would substantially burden the religious beliefs of the business owner.

Public accommodations generally cannot charge different prices based on a customer’s protected characteristics, such as race or gender. However, they may be able to offer discounts or promotions to certain groups as long as they are not discriminatory.

Yes, a public accommodation has the right to refuse service to individuals who are being disruptive or behaving inappropriately, as long as the decision is not based on their protected characteristics.

Public accommodations generally have the right to request identification from customers, especially in situations where it is necessary to verify age or prevent fraud. However, they cannot selectively request identification based on a customer’s protected characteristics.

Public accommodations have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their customers. If they fail to fulfill this duty and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the damages.

Public accommodations generally cannot discriminate against individuals based on their political beliefs, as political affiliation is not a protected characteristic under most anti-discrimination laws. However, there may be exceptions depending on local laws and regulations.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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