WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it has reached a settlement agreement with Sunoco Inc. that will ensure access for people with disabilities to Sunoco's Optima gas stations and convenience stores.
Sunoco currently operates approximately 28 Optima stationsunder the brand names Optima Fuel Center and Optima Quick Marton Wal-Mart properties in New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Stopping at a convenience store and buying gas are everyday errands that must be [image-nocss] accessible to all Americans. The Justice Department is committed to promoting increased access to these activities for people with disabilities, said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. I commend Sunoco for working with us to open up more opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in community life.
The agreement resolves a compliance review that began when the DOJ examined selected prototype plans and found violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) accessibility standards for design and construction. Without admitting liability, Sunoco has agreed voluntarily to make modifications to its facilities, as needed, including parking, gasoline pumps, curb ramps, c-store entrances, and access to items for sale within the convenience stores-to bring them into compliance with the standards.
Specifically, during the three year agreement, Sunoco will provide the required number of accessible parking spaces near an accessible entrance; designate one island and fuel dispenser to meet ADA requirements, and offer refueling assistance at any pump upon request; provide accessible, convenient store entrances and exterior transaction drawers; and make c-store public restrooms accessible. Sunoco also agreed to build future stores in compliance with the standards.
Title III of the ADA requires, among other things that newly constructed and altered places of public accommodationincluding most private businessesmeet DOJ's accessibility standards.
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