Stepping Stones Smoke & Vape Shop — Local services in Town of Southampton

I have been a loyal customer of this establishment (stepping stones smoke shop) for over three years and have always enjoyed my visits.

However, my recent experience concerning a service dog was less than satisfactory and warrants attention.

When I arrived with a service dog, who is trained to assist with specific tasks related to a person with a disability, I was unexpectedly met with requests for a certification proving the dog’s status as a service animal. I was informed multiple times that pets were not allowed and I would have to leave. I explained to the security Gard that, this dog is not a pet it is a service animal and according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Service dogs are not required to have any certification or identification. Any so-called certificates are fraudulent, as there is no official national or state certification process for service animals. When the security guard tried to assert that I was lying and demanded proof, I presented him with a card outlining federal laws and requirements regarding service animals and then left

According to the ADA, staff members are only permitted to ask two specific questions when it comes to service dogs:

Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Staff are not allowed to ask about the individual's disability, (demand or ask for documentation), or request that the dog wear a vest or carry identification. Additionally, they cannot require the handler to provide proof of the dog's training or certification (ADA National Network - service-animals).

The ADA defines a service animal as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability” (ADA National Network - https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/#how-service-animal-is-defined. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice has reiterated that “state and local governments may not require individuals with disabilities to register their service animals as there is no such registration” (U.S. Department of Justice).

It’s also important to reiterate that any certificates or registrations claiming to authenticate service dogs are fraudulent, as there is no official registry for service animals https://www.certapet.com/fake-service-dog-registration/#:~:text=Although%20there%20are%20numerous%20websites,a%20pet%20a%20service%20dog.

Providing resources and training on these regulations could help ensure a better understanding among staff.

I highly recommend implementing ADA training for all employees to foster a more inclusive environment for all patrons. I hope my feedback can contribute to improving the experience for future customers.

Thank you for considering this...

Everything at the store is fake or knock off fake meaning they’re making their own concentrates and packing them and also if you see a CA stamp on them usually means they’re fake cartridges from the underground world. We are in New York State. We are recreational state. There should be no reason why product should be stamped with out-of-state stamps. Even their cigarettes are bootleg. You go to the store to save a few bucks, but are those few bucks worth the damage that’s gonna be caused by inhaling metals and non-tested cannabis with Pesticides and...

The first time I went to this place.It was such a great experience. The young lady there was so helpful.Gave me great stuff at a great price. Unfortunately I did not have The Same experience the second time. What I received was completely different from the first time.. It. Literally tasted like chemicals and is unable to smoke. I know That I wouldn't have been able to return it But they could have been more accommodating. I never go back...