Publix Does Not Allow Service Animals in Shopping Carts
Publix supermarket shoppers will now be met with a new sign as they enter the stores.
The supermarket chain has decided to raise awareness for an existing policy on service animals brought into the store. Grocery stores are now displaying signs that read, “For food safety reasons, only service animals that are specifically trained to aid a person with disabilities are permitted within the store. Service animals are not permitted to sit or ride in shopping carts. Thank you for your help!”
A tweet from the American Disability Rights, Inc. shows the sign placed on the sliding entrance doors.
Four on the Floor! @Publix new service animal policy. #stopdisabilityfraud #serviceanimals #servicedogs #enddisabilitydiscriminationhttps://t.co/Fjnmye5A5g pic.twitter.com/rSQbmiZ2jM
— American Disability Rights, Inc. (@AmDisRights) July 27, 2018
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are permitted to accompany their owners in public businesses, however; therapy and emotional support animals do not fall under this legislation.
In recent years, businesses have made efforts to prevent people from abusing the ADA. According to Publix, the new signs are simply to reiterate a store policy that already existed and help continue to create a pleasant shopping environment for its customers.
