CBS 3 Investigation: People In Wheelchairs Discriminated Against At Popular Philadelphia Restaurants?

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Not welcome here -- that's the message some disabled people say they're getting when trying to go to some popular Philadelphia restaurants.

They say it's discrimination.

Federal prosecutors are taking a look into the issue.

Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more in this CBS3 undercover investigation.

Philadelphia has a number of restaurant superstars, but some are breaking the law, discriminating against people in wheelchairs.

"There's no way for me to get in," said German Parodi.

Steps are an obstacle and not being able to fit through a bathroom door. Clear violations of the ADA -- the Americans with Disabilities Act  -- passed 25 years ago.

Our CBS 3 undercover cameras ran into illegal roadblocks all over the city.

(Stahl:) "No way to get in?"

"No way to get in," said German.

There are two steps at the entrance to Pub and Kitchen.

It is one of 25 restaurants sent a survey by the U.S. Attorney asking questions about ADA accessibility.

"We take the responsibility seriously because it's very important that people be treated fairly and equally under the law," said Zane Memeger.

Zane Memeger, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, says the popular restaurants being surveyed were randomly selected.

(Stahl:) "Some of the disability groups that we've been talking to have been saying to us it's about time, what's taken so long?"

"There's a new sheriff in town. I mean basically what it comes down to is that this is very important work that needs to be done," said Memeger.

"I was the victim of a carjack. They shot me in the neck," said German.

German Parodi has been in a wheelchair since he was 17. He showed us the difficulties he faces all the time.

"It's every day. It's discrimination I see on every step along the way," said German.

Even at a little place like Yogorino --  more steps.

(Stahl:) "He can't get in and that's illegal."

Yogorino employee: So that's an issue that we are facing yes.

At the Gaslight, a manager said the handicap lift was in the back. He showed us down an alley past garbage cans and through this door.

But still no way in for German, there was a step down from the sidewalk.

(Stahl:) "You have a lift here, but he can't get to it because you've got a step here."

(Stahl:) "So you know that's a violation."

Manager: That would be something on the landlord.

It's not just a problem with steps outside, the ADA also covers inside accessibility.

Here at the hot spot Village Whiskey which was also sent a survey, German says the tables are too high and not usable.

(Stahl:) "You angry?"

"Very much so. I mean the problem in Philadelphia permeates everywhere," said German.

And yet another insult -- doors that aren't wide enough for a wheelchair.

Undercover cameras inside the Las Vegas Lounge show how German couldn't get into a bathroom.

"I hope that locations not only because of the legal matter, not only that it's gonna be cost effective, but for the moral ground, make it accessible so that every customer can enjoy your place," said German.

We called the Vegas Lounge and Village Whiskey, neither called us back.

The U.S. Attorney says it will take a while to review the restaurants on their survey list, they'll try to work with facilities that are in violation of the ADA, but if they don't comply they could be prosecuted.

There are no exemptions, if you serve the public a commercial establishment has to be accessible to people with disabilities.