Oh, believe me, there is such a law. Generally, unless the restaurant or bar, etc. is grandfathered (such as one owner passing it on to another relative or heir) the new owner MUST comply with ADA wheelchair accessibility laws. That means not only installing wheelchair accessible tables, but bathrooms. as well, at a tremendous and usually cost-prohibitive sum. That is why so many small shops either do not change hands, or go under. I know a few small shop owners, and they’ve had to comply with these ADA requirements, yet not a one of them has ever seen anyone in a wheelchair come in to eat or drink. Not. A. One.
PC run amok.
When I go to Taco Bell, the overwhelming majority of low tables are all marked handicapped — if there are any customers at all, you have no choice but to take one of those tables if you want to sit down.
I think this is how they got around it.
And yes, in about the last 5 years, I think I’ve actually seen one handicapped person in a wheelchair in one.
Now, many years ago, a good friend from college was wheelchair-bound. He and I would regularly go out to eat at the weekend and really never found a problem. Sometimes parking was a bit fun for his van (trying to find a spot).
But we probably had about 10 restaurants or so that we would regularly frequent. So once you found one, you’re usually good to go.