Private businesses that provide goods or services to the public are called
public accommodations in the ADA. The ADA establishes requirements for twelve categories of
public accommodations, including stores and shops, restaurants and bars, service
establishments, theaters, hotels, recreation facilities, private museums and schools and
others. Nearly all types of private businesses that serve the public are included in the
categories, regardless of size.
If you own, operate, lease, or lease to a business that serves the public, then, you are
covered by the ADA and have obligations for existing facilities as well as for compliance
when a facility is altered or a new facility is constructed. Existing facilities are not
exempted by "grandfather provisions" that are often used by building code
officials.
(Excerpts from the ADA Guide for Small Businesses developed by the U.S. Department of Justice)