TRENTON — WaWa, the popular convenience store chain, has agreed to pay a Cumberland County man $12,500 to settle allegations that he was illegally denied service because he was accompanied by a service dog, the state Attorney General's Office said today.



Patrick Stark of Millville entered his local WaWa store June 13 with a service dog, Copenhagen, to buy a sandwich, the office said in a news release, but was told he would not be served unless he left the dog outside.

According to the release, Stark complained and tried to explain the dog was permitted by law, but a store manager would not relent.

Under the terms of the settlement, WaWa agreed to post signs in its New Jersey stores advising that service dogs are welcome. The company has also agreed to train employees in the state about the laws pertaining to service animals, the office said.

The company did not admit any liability as part of its settlement with Stark and the state. Wawa entered into a separate, confidential agreement with Stark that did not involve the state, and no details were disclosed.

Stark told the state Division of Civil Rights he requires a service dog because he experiences periodic seizures and the dog is trained to assist him. Deputy Attorney General James Michael and state investigator Mark McNierney handled the case.

Related coverage:

• N.J. man wants Wawa to pay for service dogs following incident in which he was thrown out of store

