Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation


The Cuyahoga County Human Rights Commission (CCHRC) accepts, reviews and hears complaints that allege discrimination has occurred in a place of public accommodation within Cuyahoga County.

 

In order to file a charge of discrimination for this reason, the act of discrimination must have occurred no more than 150-days prior to the date of filing a complaint of discrimination.

A place of public accommodation is a place that offers accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges that are available to the public. An example of a place of public accommodation would include, but is not limited to, supermarkets, movie theaters, hotels and amusement parks. Patrons/guests are entitled to receive the full enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities or privileges of the place of public accommodation. Examples of discrimination in places of public accommodation include, but are not limited to:

  • Denial/refusal of services in a place of public accommodation.
  • Difference in service
  • Denial of access

 

Can I File a Charge of Discrimination?

To determine if your issue can be received, reviewed and heard by the CCHRC, please answer the following questions:

  • Were you subjected to a difference in treatment that was not to your benefit as compared to other members of the public? Were you treated differently than other members of the public?
  • Did the act of discrimination happen within 150 days from the date you are filing the charge?
  • Does the action complained of relate to your sexual orientation or gender identity or expression?

 

If you answered yes to all three questions above, you can file a Public Accommodation Discrimination complaint with the CCHRC.

 

What is an adverse public accommodation action?

A place of public accommodation is where people gather or buy goods and services. Cuyahoga County protects an individual’s right to fair and equal treatment by public accommodations. Examples of places of accommodation include, but not limited to:

  • Hotels, motels, inns or other places of lodging
  • Restaurants and other places of where food and/or drinks are served
  • Stores, banks, barber/beauty shops and retail establishments
  • Recreational facilities
  • Theaters and Museums

 

Examples of adverse action in public accommodation include, but are not limited to:

  • Denial/refusal of services in a place of public accommodation.