Popular Philadelphia Restaurants Are Being Put To The Test For The Americans With Disabilities Act

Several of the most popular restaurants in Philadelphia are being reviewed to make sure they are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania claimed it used third-party reviews of Philadelphia’s 25 most popular restaurants rather than any specific complaints about a restaurant to determine whether a review of the restaurants was needed, according to CBS Philly.

Now that it has been determined a review of the restaurants in the city of brotherly love is needed, a number of restaurant owners will have the opportunity to complete their own surveys about their respective restaurants within 30 days, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Other owners will have inspectors who will make sure the restaurant is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Take a look at the picture below to see if your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia is being scrutinized for compliance.

Not to worry though: If you spotted your favorite on the list, there’s no need to think about skipping dinner to find a new restaurant just yet. Restaurant owners will have some time to make upgrades to their properties to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Last week, surveys went out, so that means they will have a little less than a month to get things sorted out by way of responding with their intentions.

If the owner refuses to do the upgrades or procrastinates for too long, then the government could sue the owner for “engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination.” Civil fines and monetary penalties could be the punishment for those who refuse to participate in or agree to make their restaurants accommodating to people with disabilities.

United States Attorney Zane David Memeger wants businesses in Philadelphia know that ruining businesses or giving them a hard time is not his goal, according to a statement he released on the United States Attorney’s Office website.

“People with disabilities who visit, work, or live in Philadelphia have the right to expect that all public accommodations in the city are accessible according to law. The Americans with Disabilities Act is an important civil rights law, and restaurant owners must comply with its accessibility provisions. We will take all reasonable steps within our power to ensure that any restaurants that fall short of compliance make the necessary changes, rather than face litigation.”

Inquisitr readers, which restaurants in Philadelphia are the most accommodating to people with disabilities?

[Photos by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport and Lisa Carley]