No Grounds for Discrimination Act
Sponsored By: Representative Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Introduced
Summary
A federal ban on discrimination at coffee shops. This bill would bar coffee shops, cafes, tea houses, and similar informal dining establishments from denying service or segregating customers based on religion, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
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- Families and customers in the listed groups would have a federal right to full and equal enjoyment of goods and services at covered coffee shops.
- Coffee shop owners and staff would need to follow the nondiscrimination rule for places that serve the public, primarily offer coffee, tea, or light refreshments, and either affect commerce or are supported by state action.
- People harmed by discrimination would be able to seek remedies using enforcement tools aligned with Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including private lawsuits and federal enforcement avenues where applicable.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban discrimination at coffee shops
If enacted, this bill would bar covered coffee shops from refusing service or segregating customers for listed traits. Protected traits would include religion, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and veteran status. It would apply only to places that serve the public and mainly serve coffee, tea, or light refreshments. It would cover shops whose operations affect commerce or where a state supports the discrimination. Enforcement would follow the same process as Title II of the Civil Rights Act. The rule would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
FL • D
Sponsored 9/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov