Tasting Bar and the ADA

[CaptainEBC]

I'm designing a Tasting bar and I want to make it ADA compliant. Any feedback is appreciated.

I attached a picture of my current design.

[Roger Greene]

Having a good friend in a wheelchair have seen some of the issues that they encounter. I have also seen a kitchen that was design for wheelchairs and the one thing that is often overlooked is leg room. In this kitchen, their were no cabinets under most of the counter. I suggest making sure that the bar extends far enough out to allow a wheelchair to pull up to it completely, or have a cut-out under the bar that would allow the same. Simply put, make sure the person can comfortably rest their arms on the bar while also extending their legs a little. I would also make sure that they are not sitting in front of a wall. You might also want to think about bringing the whole bar down to the same level. It would be great to be able to pull up a wheelchair, but everyone else at the bare would be above them, kind of tough to carry out a conversation. Hope this helps.

[et tu brewte?]

The lower surface for the wheelchair seating reminds me of the lower urinal for kids in public restrooms. When I sit at bar stools, I like to be able to look eye to eye at the next guy over (or foxy lady). Is there some way to make some kind of ramp that would allow the wheelchair user to sit at roughly the same level as everyone else? It is important to accommodate all potential customers, but this one kind of seems like it's more "separate, but equal." Good idea though, I might just be thinking a bit too much into this one.
Oh yeah, I read the your blog on enegrenbrewing.com and it was great! Anybody opening a brewery should check it out. Thanks for being so detailed.

[lhall]

There is a wealth of information in local building codes regarding ADA accessibility. Either read up or get an architect. Door widths, ramp angles, parking, bathroom design, etc.

[fvbrew]

Chris,

What did you end up having to actually do to your tasting room to be ADA compliant? Change any doorways, ramps, etc.?

Thanks!

[CaptainEBC]

I didn't change any doorways or anything. I just called the ADA and went over the bar dimensions and counter heights. They were really helpful.

[apoxbrew]

current regs are:

60" in length. 34” maximum counter height with knee space height of 27" minimum, and 19” clear depth

if you have that, you should be good to go.

[jcwilde1]

I am going through a really tough time getting our plans approved because of ADA. Basically our taproom is 4 feet off our entrance area and although there is a 24' ramp it is not ADA approved, we would need to put a 48' one or a lift.

So we are having to redo our entire floor plan and HVAC to accommodate the change. Hopefully we will have it squared away next week.