Nov. 18--The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago said Wednesday that it will begin checking if restaurants in the city and suburbs are complying with the American with Disabilities Act.
An initial group of restaurants in Chicago and the suburbs will be surveyed on their accessibility. It is not clear how those restaurants were selected, as calls to the U.S. attorney's office were not immediately returned.
Federal investigators may follow up with on-site inspections.
"The Americans with Disabilities Act is an important civil rights law," U.S. Attorney Zach Fardon said in a statement. "Restaurant owners must conform to its accessibility provisions, and we will pursue all reasonable measures to ensure compliance."
Noncompliant restaurant owners and operators will have the option to upgrade their facilities to meet ADA requirements, the U.S. attorney's office said. Those who do not comply may face a civil lawsuit and be subject to potential penalties and fines.
crshropshire@tribpub.com
