I typically don't leave reviews, but this situation has left me deeply frustrated. I frequent this location regularly--sometimes several times a week--for Slurpees. Over the past month, I've started bringing my Service Dog with me. She's usually just on a leash tethered to me without any special identification, as it's not legally required. The daytime employees have never had an issue with her presence, recognizing how well-behaved she is. However, the nighttime staff has discriminated against me twice now, outright denying me service because of my Service Dog.
The first incident was resolved after I educated the employee about the law, and he allowed me to make my purchase. However, on 10/26, another employee informed me that dogs aren't allowed in the store. Despite me and my partner explaining that she's a Service Dog and that I've been coming to this location with her multiple times without issue, he was unyielding.
I explained to him that it's illegal to deny us service, as my dog wasn't causing any disruption. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Disabled Persons Act / Unruh Civil Rights Act specifically state that businesses and public spaces cannot deny access to service animals unless they pose a direct threat, aren't under the handler's control, or fundamentally alter the nature of services provided. My Service Dog did not fall into any of these categories.
The employee also claimed my dog needed to be on a harness rather than a leash, which made no sense since, even with a harness, she would still be on a leash. Additionally, legally, service dogs are not required to wear a vest, ID tag, or any special harness--a fact clearly outlined by ADA guidelines.
He further justified his refusal by mentioning that the store is dealing with an open lawsuit related to a dog bite. However, that is irrelevant and not a valid reason to deny access to a service animal. I urged him to look up the laws, as a violation of the ADA concerning service animals is also a breach of the California Disabled Persons Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, carrying significant consequences. It's worth noting that there were no other customers in the store at the time--it was around midnight, and my partner and I were simply grabbing a quick drink.
As I advocated for myself and my rights, the employee threatened to call the police. Given my disability and the impact that stress can have on me, I chose to leave and go to a different location. Throughout the encounter, my Service Dog remained calm, showing no signs of aggression or distress, and stayed close to my side the entire time.
I fully intend to file a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the ADA. I hope the owner will take this opportunity to educate the staff, so I can continue to support this location without facing discrimination in the future. read more
