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7.10.2008

restaurant owner claims discrimination

In Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Indian American restaurant owner is claiming that the city council has been biased in its consistent denials of the restauraunt's liquor license: Restaurant owner claims discrimination in Monroeville. Because sometimes, you want a little vino with your vindaloo.

Shingara Singh, owner of India Garden Classic Cuisine, said the council asked him questions regarding his immigration status—questions completely irrelevant to his eligibility to receive the license. That's racist! The council apparently raised a number of concerns over granting Singh the license, including the restaurant's "proximity to churches, residences and schools," and while those concerns might be relevant to this community, they have nothing to do with when and how Mr. Singh came to the United States. So why ask?

Mr. Singh was naturalized as an American citizen last year and has lived in Pennsylvania as a lawful permanent resident with a green card since 1994. Not that it matters. This man and his restaurant have been unfairly denied!