If your restaurant, bar, or nightclub has a website, online menu, reservation system or online ordering platform, website accessibility should be on your radar.
Lawsuits alleging inaccessible websites are increasing, particularly in New York. According to a new guide prepared by Fox Rothschild, more than 1,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed in New York courts during the first half of 2026 – and that figure does not include demand letters resolved before a lawsuit was filed. Restaurants and food service businesses are among the industries most frequently targeted.
Federal and New York City disability discrimination laws can apply to restaurants’ websites and online ordering systems, and courts frequently look to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) when evaluating digital accessibility.
Steps businesses can take now include:
* Adding descriptive alt text to website images
* Making sure links, buttons and forms can be navigated using a keyboard
* Testing the website with a screen reader
* Reviewing text and background color contrast
* Making online menus and ordering systems accessible
* Properly labeling forms and adding captions to videos
* Regularly checking the website after updates
* Adding an accessibility statement to the website
Fox Rothschild also cautions that accessibility overlay widgets alone are not a foolproof solution and recommends ongoing monitoring of your website.
The guide includes free and low-cost tools operators can use to identify potential accessibility issues, guidance on creating an accessibility statement, and steps to take if your business receives an accessibility demand letter or lawsuit.
We encourage members to review the full guide and take proactive steps to evaluate their websites and digital platforms.
[READ THE FULL GUIDE（※Click the button below）]
This information is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
