Agencies
Services
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the full and equal enjoyment of facilities and services by any place of public accommodation, such as a business, recreation, lodging, entertainment, or transportation facility that is open to the public. The public accommodations provision of the Act also covers State or local government facilities that are open to the public as well as educational institutions under certain circumstances. All Illinois residents have rights to equal access to the services provided by public officials (city services, police and fire department services, etc.).
Public Accommodation Rights
You have the right to equal access to businesses and services that are open to the public. If you believe you have faced discrimination at a store, restaurant, hotel, or other public place, this page explains your rights and how to file a claim.
What you will find here:
Real examples of discrimination, your legal protections, guidance on filing a claim, and which places the law covers.
⏱ Reading time: 13 minutes
Ready to file?
Table of contents
Learn What Discrimination Looks Like
See situations that might match yours.
Your Rights in Public Spaces
Know what protections you have.
Do You Want to File a Charge?
Learn how to file and whether now is the right time to do it.
Accommodations for Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations to expect.
Where the Law Applies
Find out which businesses and facilities must follow the law.
Important Exceptions to Know
Some situations may not be covered
What IDHR Cannot Do
Understand our limits so you know what to expect.
Public Accommodation FAQs
Find answers to common questions.
Learn What Discrimination Looks Like
Illinois law makes it illegal for public places to discriminate against you because of certain personal characteristics. These are known as "protected characteristics."
Protected Characteristics Include
- Race
- Color
- Ancestry
- National Origin
- Disability (physical and mental)
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation (including gender identity)
- Age (40 and over)
- Marital Status
- Pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions)
- Military Status
- Unfavorable Military Discharge
- Order of Protection Status
Discrimination does not always look the same. Sometimes it is clear and direct. Other times it is hard to spot. The examples below can help you identify when your rights have been violated.
Discrimination examples
Denied service or entry
You are refused service at a restaurant, denied entry to a store, or turned away from a hotel because of a protected characteristic.
Treated differently
You receive worse treatment than other customers or are subjected to extra scrutiny based on your appearance or identity.
Denied equal access
A business refuses to make reasonable changes to policies that would allow you equal access.
Harassment by staff
Employees or management make discriminatory comments or jokes based on your protected characteristic.
Physical barriers
A facility has barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities and refuses to provide reasonable accommodations.
Discriminatory policies
A business enforces policies that discriminate, such as English-only rules or bans that exclude service animals.
Your Rights in Public Spaces
Under Illinois law, businesses, government facilities, and institutions that serve the public cannot treat you unlawfully because of a protected characteristic or basis for discrimination.
When providing access to
- Retail stores and services
- Restaurants and food service
- Hotels and lodging
- Entertainment and recreation
- Transportation
- Government services
- Healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions (under certain circumstances)
Public accommodations cannot discriminate in how they handle
- Entry and service decisions
- Quality of service, seating, or facilities
- Policy enforcement and modifications
- Physical accessibility and accommodations
- Customer interactions and treatment
- Service animal access
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Do You Want to File a Charge?
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in a public place, you have options. Filing a charge with IDHR starts an investigation into your complaint. Here's what you need to know.
Before you file:
- You must file within a specific timeframe
- You can usually file against both the individual harasser and the employer or institution
- Filing is free
- You do not need a lawyer
What happens when you file:
We review your charge to see if it falls under the Illinois Human Rights Act
If accepted, we investigate by gathering information from all parties
We may attempt to resolve the matter through mediation or settlement
If not resolved, your case may proceed to a hearing
We will draft a charge for your signature if:
- Your allegations are covered under the Act
- We have jurisdiction over the employer
- You file within the required timeframe
Accommodations for People with Disabilities
If you have a disability, you have the right to reasonable accommodations in public places.
Examples of reasonable accommodations:
Allowing service animals where required by law
Providing auxiliary aids such as interpreters or accessible formats
Modifying policies to ensure equal access
Removing architectural barriers when readily achievable
Providing alternative methods of service
To accommodate, businesses must:
Engage in discussion about accommodation requests
Not charge extra fees for providing reasonable accommodations
Make reasonable modifications unless they would fundamentally alter the service
Where the Law Applies
Retail and Services:
Stores and shopping centers
Hair salons and barber shops
Banks and credit unions
Gas stations and markets
Professional services
Food and Hospitality:
Restaurants, cafes, and bars
Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts
Catering services
Food trucks and mobile vendors
Recreation and Entertainment:
Movie theaters and concert halls
Gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities
Parks and recreation areas
Museums and galleries
Amusement parks
Transportation:
Buses, trains, and public transit
Taxis and rideshare services
Airlines and airports
Parking facilities
Government Services:
City services and municipal offices
Police and fire department services
Public libraries
Government agencies
Public schools (under certain circumstances)
Healthcare and Essential Services:
Hospitals and medical clinics
Pharmacies
Daycare centers
Social service agencies
Important Exceptions to Know
Some situations may not be covered:
- Private clubs – Truly private clubs with selective membership that are not open to the general public may have certain exemptions
- Religious institutions – Religious organizations may have certain exemptions when conducting religious activities
- Individual service disputes – General complaints about poor service or pricing that are not based on discrimination
What IDHR Cannot Do
We want to be clear about what falls outside our jurisdiction so you can find the right help. We cannot investigate:
General business disputes – Complaints about pricing, refunds, product quality, or business practices that are not based on discrimination belong with consumer protection agencies or the Better Business Bureau.
Federal government facilities – If you experienced discrimination at a federal agency, file with the appropriate federal civil rights office.
Contract disputes – Disagreements about service contracts, terms of service, or billing may require an attorney or consumer protection agency.
Criminal conduct – If you experience assault, theft, or other criminal behavior, contact law enforcement immediately.
Cases outside our legal authority
If we cannot investigate your situation, that does not mean what happened was okay. It means your case may fall under a different law or agency. We will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Public Accommodations - FAQs
Guidance & Publications
- Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
General legal guidance to housing professionals on reasonable accommodations and modifications for residents with disabilities and their family members
Related Topics
Disability Rights
Requirements for reasonable accommodations and equal access in workplaces, housing, public spaces, and services.
Education
Protections for students against discrimination and harassment in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and universities.