This was my first experience being discriminated against as a disabled veteran with a service dog, and overall denied access. They refused to acknowledge that the Americans with Disabilities Act (a federal law) supersedes SC Dept of Health & Education's rules, didn't bother to look either ADA or SC DHEC guidelines, then they didn't want to give my $60 deposit back.
Backstory: I planned my trip and drove from Texas to Myrtle Beach, all planned around getting my tattooing done in an area I was stationed. I previously had gone to Joe at Elite Ink Tattoo who did amazing work. I wanted some of the color re-inked and start a new one. They couldn't fit me in but recommended Chuck at Aces High because they were familiar with and respected his work, thought he would be the best fit for what I wanted, and that the tattoo parlor was an excellent alternative. I thought it was great that they would praise a competitor.
I went over to Aces High and told them everything. They (manager and an artist) immediately disparaged Elite Ink for not fitting me in, re-inking me for free, that the color didn't set right wasn't an allergic reaction but bad work, and wanted to know why Elite would recommend a specific artist when they were all experienced and amazing. So I think "Ok, let's let this go and focus on the tattooing".
I explained what I wanted and they went back and forth about not having time, but Chuck was great and said since I came to the state for this and was leaving in 2 days that he'd stay late the next night for me.
I made the appt, informed them that I needed to have my service dog with me, and it all started going downhill from there.
They told me that my "puppy" was not allowed in. Side note: she's a 3.5yo well trained SD, in a vest, and behaving perfectly. The manager said it was state mandate that no animals are allowed in to the tattoo room. I mentioned that the ADA is federal law and supersedes state laws, that she is allowed everywhere any client would be allowed. But I said to avoid the problem, if I was feeling alright when I came in I could have her sit in the hallway where I could see her or leave her in my vehicle (evening with cool weather, don't worry!) but that I needed her close by in case any medical situations arose.
They agreed with this and I paid a $60 deposit.
Jump forward to the next evening and I came in for my appt. They had set up a table outside the door for screening, so the rest of this situation occurred outside and in front of about 8 other people in a 15ft radius who could hear everything. I'd had a very high stress day and my SD helps treat that and so told them I needed to have her with me.
The female (front desk clerk?) said absolutely not and proceeded to again tell me that SC DHEC does not allow animals. She further explained that dogs shed dander which can cause allergic reactions and other issues and were not allowed in sterile environments for the safety of others.
I explained that she was a Service Dog, not a regular dog, and that ADA states she must be allowed to go wherever I do so long as she is not out of control. She argued that DHEC overrules the federal law, that I didn't have the right to put others in danger of allergic reactions, staph, and other diseases with my dog and that I needed to call someone to pick her up.
I asked if there was a way we could make this work and she went to get the manager. He came out and we went over it again with him verifying and agreeing with everything she said. I told them I had a history of seizures and other issues and that she is a response dog and not an alert dog so does not always have to be right there, but if my stress or pain was too high that I needed to have her with me in case something started and she could help treat it.
He remained adamant so I asked if she could at least sit in the doorway or hallway and they said no, but that I could come back some other time without my dog.
I asked if I could at least get my deposit back. He told me it's non-refundable. I explained that I'm not the one wanting to cancel my appointment and that they were already denying me entry despite the law that says they can't. They then went inside together to discuss it.
While they were inside, the surrounding people chimed in with their opinions for and against, since they all got to hear everything.
The manager came back out and announced (then looked around at everyone) "that they don't normally do this, but he guesses my health is worth more than them making $60" and gave me back my money. Then told me when I visited the state again to come to them and not to Elite Ink.
I went back to my hotel and had an anxiety attack. Once I calmed down I looked up SC DHEC and it says clearly that guard and service dogs are the exception to the "no animals rule".
The confrontation and anxiety attack lead to 3 days of full body pain while driving back to Texas and a week later I'm still stressed and hurting over it all. read more