If a restaurant, hotel or other place of public accommodation has a “no pets” policy, do they have to serve individuals accompanied by a service animal?

Yes. A service animal is not a “pet.” The ADA requires all places of public accommodation to modify their “no pets” policy to allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. Additionally, restaurants must allow service animals in public areas even where state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises. The ADA provides greater protection for individuals with disabilities and so it takes priority over the local or state laws or regulations.