A California resident has taken legal action against a local business, claiming violations of disability rights laws. Anthony Bouyer filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on February 26, 2025, against George Liquor Inc., Buy and Save Investments, and other unnamed defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants have failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act (UCRA), denying Bouyer and others full access to their facilities.
According to the complaint, Bouyer is significantly limited in performing major life activities due to his disabilities, which require him to use leg braces, a walker or wheelchair for mobility, and hand control devices for driving. On September 13, 2024, Bouyer visited George Liquor and Market located at 1790 E Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA. During his visit, he encountered multiple accessibility barriers that allegedly violated ADA standards. These included door hardware requiring tight grasping or twisting to operate, inadequate clear width in interior paths of travel and turns, as well as insufficient clear floor space around shelving units and displays.
Bouyer's legal team argues that these conditions not only violate federal ADA standards but also contravene California's UCRA by denying individuals with disabilities equal access to public accommodations. The complaint highlights that such discrimination is akin to race or sex discrimination in its impact on an individual's self-worth. Furthermore, it claims that the violations are ongoing and prevent Bouyer from enjoying full access to the business premises.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court. These include a declaratory judgment stating that the defendants' actions were discriminatory under the law and permanent injunctive relief compelling them to remove all existing ADA violations within a specified timeframe. If complete removal is not feasible, Bouyer requests alternative methods be implemented to ensure greater accessibility. Additionally, he seeks statutory damages of at least $4,000 per occurrence for each instance of deterrence he experienced at the business.
Bouyer's attorney in this case is Joseph R. Manning Jr., Esq., from Manning Law APC. The case is being heard by Judge Brenda L. ommick under Case No. ZOZECUCROS9273.