Jujamcyn Theaters pledged to make improvements to its theaters as part of the settlement of a lawsuit over accessibility issues.
The suit, filed July 8 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, alleged violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act at each of Jujamcyn’s five Broadway theaters. In response, Jujamcyn agreed to provide 44 wheelchair accessible seating locations across its theaters, 54 aisle transfer seating locations for individuals to move from a wheelchair to a seat and eliminated 200 barriers to accessibility in theater restrooms, concession counters, waiting areas and box offices.
Jujamcyn will also pay a civil penalty of $40,000.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is charged with investigating and enforcing ADA compliance in New York City. The office has brought similar suits against the Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization and venues including Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.
“As New York City begins to reopen and welcome the world once again, we are pleased that Jujamcyn Theaters has worked collaboratively with the Office to improve accessibility at its historic venues, so that all patrons are able to enjoy Broadway,” said U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss.
“As a result of this suit and settlement, coupled with similar lawsuits filed by the Office against the Shubert Theaters in 2003, and the Nederlander Theaters in 2014, all three of the major Broadway theater organizations have committed to making their venues significantly more accessible to people with disabilities.”
The pledged improvements on accessibility barriers at Jujamcyn theaters include clearly posting accessibility signs, providing bar counters at accessible heights and maintaining a set number of assisted listening devices, among other changes.
