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Governor Mike Braun
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Refusal of Service and Discrimination

Refusal of Service and Discrimination

Businesses and other places open to the public generally must provide goods and services without discriminating against customers based on protected classes.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, public accommodations may not refuse service to individuals because of certain protected characteristics.

These protections help ensure that all individuals have equal access to businesses, services, and public spaces.

What Is a Public Accommodation?

A public accommodation is a business or facility that provides goods, services, or access to the public.

Examples of public accommodations may include:

  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Hotels and lodging establishments
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Theaters and entertainment venues
  • Hospitals and medical offices
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Transportation services
  • Personal care businesses such as salons

These businesses must generally serve customers without discrimination.

Protected Classes in Public Accommodations:

Discrimination may occur when a business refuses service or treats a customer differently because of a protected class.

Protected classes in public accommodations may include:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • National origin
  • Ancestry

Businesses may not deny services or provide unequal treatment based on these characteristics.

Examples of Discriminatory Refusal of Service:

Discriminatory refusal of service may include situations such as:

  • Refusing to serve a customer because of their race or national origin
  • Denying service to a person because of their disability
  • Refusing entry to someone because of their religion
  • Providing different services or seating based on a protected class
  • Charging higher prices because of a protected characteristic

When businesses treat customers differently because of protected classes, civil rights laws may apply.

When a Business May Refuse Service:

Businesses may refuse service in certain situations when the reason is not related to a protected class.

Examples may include:

  • Customers who engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior
  • Customers who violate reasonable business policies
  • Situations where health or safety rules apply

Businesses should apply their policies consistently to all customers.

Equal Access to Goods and Services:

Public accommodations should provide equal access to their goods, services, and facilities.

This means customers should be able to access the same services and opportunities regardless of protected characteristics.

Providing equal access helps ensure businesses remain welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated

If you believe a business or public place denied access because of a disability, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in public accommodations, employment, housing, education, and credit.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.