Chevy Chase, Lexington, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant in Chevy Chase has been fined $25,000 for discriminating against a disabled veteran who was denied service due to her service dog. The Lexington Human Rights Commission found the former owner, Ahmad Saleh, intentionally violated anti-discrimination laws after the incident in March 2023. The new owner, Sean Sohal, is currently seeking legal advice regarding the fine’s implications as he aims to promote a welcoming environment. A second complaint involving another service animal is also pending, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding service animal policies.
Lexington – The Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant in Chevy Chase has been fined $25,000 following a discrimination case against a disabled veteran who was denied service due to her service dog. This penalty was imposed by the Lexington Human Rights Commission, which found that the action was intentional and severely violated anti-discrimination laws.
The incident took place in March 2023 when patron Sarah Van Vooren, who was accompanied by her service dog Mooney, was prompted to leave the restaurant by then-owner Ahmad Saleh. Video evidence from the incident captured Saleh telling Van Vooren that she could not remain in the establishment due to her service animal.
After the incident, the Lexington Human Rights Commission investigated Saleh, who did not disclose the ongoing legal issues related to the discrimination when the restaurant was sold to the new owner, Sean Sohal, in April 2025. Following the investigation, a hearing officer ruled in March 2025 that Saleh’s actions were indeed discriminatory and recommended the imposed fine, which was upheld by the commission on September 15, 2025.
Sohal is currently seeking legal advice regarding the implications of the fine on the restaurant and the potential impact on his newly acquired business, as he was unaware of the prior incident. He has publicly committed to fostering a welcoming environment for guests, including those with service animals. A second complaint involving another individual with a seeing-eye dog is also pending and might lead to further legal actions against the establishment.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Kentucky state law, service animals are permitted inside dining establishments and are exempt from health regulations that apply to pets. Despite this legal framework, Saleh justified his denial of service based on supposed food safety regulations, displaying little remorse during the commission hearing.
The hearing officer emphasized that Saleh’s justification for denying Van Vooren service was unfounded and that service animals provide essential assistance to their disabled owners. The ruling reiterates the significance of adhering to anti-discrimination laws, ensuring equal access for all individuals in public spaces.
Van Vooren expressed her appreciation for the commission’s decision, acknowledging its importance in defending the rights of those in the disability community. Raymond Sexton, the executive director of the Human Rights Commission, reiterated that this case exemplifies the necessity of maintaining robust protections against discrimination in public accommodations.
Saleh has a 30-day window to appeal the ruling in the Fayette Circuit Court. As new ownership transitions in the restaurant, the community watches closely to see how these developments unfold and affect the establishment’s policies going forward.
Key Points
- Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant fined $25,000 for discrimination.
- Incident involved service dog and disabled veteran.
- Former owner Saleh’s actions deemed intentional and severe.
- New owner Sohal seeks legal guidance on implications of the fine.
- Second complaint involving another service animal is pending.
FAQ Section
Why was the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant fined?
The restaurant was fined $25,000 for discriminating against a disabled veteran with a service dog, which violated both the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law.
What is the status of the new owner regarding the fine?
The new owner, Sean Sohal, is unaware of the previous legal issues and is seeking legal counsel to understand the implications of the fine on his business.
Are service animals allowed in restaurants?
Yes, under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Kentucky law, service animals are permitted in dining areas and are exempt from regulations that apply to pets.
Can Saleh appeal the ruling made by the Lexington Human Rights Commission?
Yes, Saleh has 30 days to appeal the ruling in Fayette Circuit Court.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | March 2023 |
| Current Fine | $25,000 |
| Former Owner | Ahmad Saleh |
| New Owner | Sean Sohal |
| Pending Complaints | Yes, involving another service animal |
| Commission Ruling Date | September 15, 2025 |
| Appeal Window | 30 days |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Restaurant Discrimination Case
- Wikipedia: Americans with Disabilities Act
- Kentucky.com: Latest Restaurant News
- Google Search: Restaurant Discrimination Laws
- New York Post: Restaurant Fined for Service Dog Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Service Animals
- Patch: Black MCPS Students and Alumni Share Stories
- Google News: Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant Fined
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