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WASHINGTON - A Georgetown University student who is in a wheelchair says he's taking legal action against a popular bar after he was asked to leave.
Five years ago, 23-year-old Georgetown University student Taylor Price dove into an ocean wave, hit his neck on a sandbar and suffered a spinal cord injury.
"I am the same guy I was five years I just get around different," he said.
Because he's confined to a wheelchair, Price argues he was treated differently and discriminated against by popular Georgetown restaurant Mr. Smith's on M Street -- where the sign reads, "Friendliest Saloon in Town."
Price says that wasn't true the night of January 23, 2009. That's when he says he and three friends were headed toward the piano when the manager approached.
"I was told by the manager that the bar was too crowded and that I was a fire hazard and I was not allowed to go to the back of the bar," he said. "I just could not believe that someone would say that to me. All I wanted to do is enjoy the evening with my friends."
And according to Price, that's not all the manager said. "He pointed to the corner and told me that if I wished to remain at the bar that I would have to sit in the corner," he said.
And when Price says he and his friends told the manager he could be sued, they said he fired back saying, "So sue me." And when they later asked for his name they said he said, "...that's for you to figure out...."
"It's not about money but I want Mr. Smith's to do the right thing," said Price. "Mr. Smith's should know they can't treat people like this."
ABC 7 News contacted the manager of Mr. Smith's who said he had no comment.
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