NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A lawsuit against Katz’s Deli for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations was settled, prosecutors announced on Monday.
Katz’s deli agreed to improve physical accessibility of the legendary Lower East Side eatery and pay a $20,000 penalty, according to Edward Y. Kim, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
"The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most popular restaurants, as is required by the ADA," Kim said.
According to a complaint, the over-century-old deli was found to have several ADA violations, including an inaccessible main entrance, insufficient dining surfaces for people with disabilities, and non-compliant restrooms despite renovations in 2018.
Under a new consent decree, Katz’s Deli must improve accessibility at its entrances, dining areas, and restrooms, according to prosecutors. Staff will also assist individuals with disabilities at the main entrance, provide the required number of accessible dining surfaces, and renovate the restrooms. The deli will also pay a $20,000 civil penalty.
"As always, we have worked closely with the DOJ to ensure our restaurant is fully accessible and welcoming to all our valued customers," Katz’s Deli owner Jake Dell said in a statement to 1010 WINS.
The lawsuit and consent decree conclude the U.S. Attorney’s Manhattan Restaurants ADA Compliance Initiative, launched in September 2011, which reviewed ADA compliance at Manhattan’s 50 “most popular” restaurants, according to the 2011 Zagat Guide.