Your missing the point. Anyone who files a lawsuit such as this is only looking for money. Look at the link already posted and you'll see this person files a lawsuit roughly 1 time per week. That practically means this is his job. He didn't come all the way from Ione to eat bacon and eggs at this restaurant. Additionally, existing businesses should be grandfathered in unless they do a substantial remodel. With a business this size it'd be practically impossible to retrofit the whole building and stay in business. What has society as a whole gained from this law ?
Well, I'm not missing the point according to the OP opening statement. There are a few add-ons to expand the discussion but I was trying to simplify just to the basic point.
I agree that some lawyers are going all out in the sue-happy thing. I'm pretty sure in the last election that I voted against lawyers being able to make these types of lawsuits without specific criteria. I'm not sure what happened to that bill.
However, as sad as this is: it really is the job of the business owner to stay compliant of local, state and fed laws by remaining knowledgable of these issues. As a business owner I would make it my mission to do so considering the ripe disposition of courts on ADA laws and enforcement, lately.
It doesn't mean I am heartless and unfeeling to the owner of this business. I'm just pointing out a point-of-view.