Police Refused Service: We have gone from Companies firing employees who did this to accepting their behavior

Jul 12, 2020 | Featured

From fast food restaurants to coffee shops to grocery stores, police are finding that they are being refused service. The big change is that in the past the problem involved individual employees and the companies would apologize, but now it is something that the companies have often approved.

The actions by these employees and companies are engaging in discrimination against all police because they are upset by the actions by individual police officers.

Alabama Five Guys employees who reportedly refused to serve cops have been fired or suspended, restaurant says

Five Guys employees in Daphne, Ala., who reportedly denied three police officers service have been fired or suspended, the restaurant said. . . .

The officers claim that six or seven employees in the establishment turned their backs on the officers as they entered the restaurant chain. One officer reportedly heard an employee say, “I’m not serving them.”

The officers then left and went to another restaurant.

Caitlin McFall, “Alabama Five Guys employees who reportedly refused to serve cops have been fired or suspended, restaurant says,” Fox News, July 11, 2020.

Seattle Ice Cream Shop Bans Armed Police

A sign at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream on Capitol Hill in Seattle emphasizes the shop is a gun-free zone. It says specifically to police, “Please do not come inside if you are wearing a firearm.”

Founder and owner Molly Moon Neitzel told KIRO she decided to put up the sign at her namesake scoop shop, which is located within what used to be the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest zone, or CHOP, which was taken over by protesters after Seattle police abandoned the East Precinct.

“Last week, as CHOP was being dismantled, and there was a flood of police officers here in the neighborhood, they were intimidating and causing some of my of my black and brown employees to feel unsafe,” explained Neitzel. . . .

Police Magazine Staff, “Seattle Ice Cream Shop Bans Armed Police,” Police Magazine, July 10, 2020.

Di Bruno Bros discontinues free meals for police

Nearly three weeks ago, we offered free lunch to police officers. We intended this as a kind gesture, in recognition of their role in protecting our storefront during the recent unrest. This offer proved to be hurtful to some of our highly valued employees & customers. By discontinuing the offer, we hurt some of the police officers & their families for whom we care. Unintentionally, our decisions further divided the community we love and respect. The intent of our action was good; the impact was not. 

We respect & support those officers in the Philadelphia Police Department who serve our community with honor and integrity.  We also stand strongly against racism and violence and are committed to doing our part to advance equity and inclusivity.

“Message to our Community,” Di Bruno Bros, June 19, 2020.

Los Al woman feeds officers after husband refused service

A Los Alamitos woman has been busy feeding police and other frontline workers after her husband, a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, was refused service while keeping order in Los Angeles during the weekend.

“Basically, here is my husband, working hard, 18-hour days, people rioting in the streets, deployed in the field and he is denied service at a restaurant,” she wondered?
“Restaurant and establishments were open but are refusing to serve police officers simply because they are police officers,” according to Brocoff, was shocking. “These brave men haven’t had a home-cooked meal in days,” she said.

“Los Al woman feeds officers after husband refused service,” Event-News Enterprise, June 10, 2020.

Ohio Taco Chain Employees Walked Out When Asked to Fill Mass Order for Law Enforcement

Representatives for Condado Tacos confirmed to Eater that a walkout did take place at the Polaris branch but dispute the claim that anyone was fired. Multiple posts emerged on Facebook and Twitter on Monday with different accounts of what took place at the Polaris store. One widely shared screenshot description alleges that employees were fired for refusing to fill 250 “Bud Boxes” being “donated” to the CPD (Columbus Police Department) by a “regional manager.” It calls for a boycott of the chain.

Brenna Houck, “Ohio Taco Chain Employees Walked Out When Asked to Fill Mass Order for Law Enforcement,” Eater.com, June 2, 2020.

Controversy Brewing After 2 Riverside Deputies Say They Were Refused Service At Starbucks

Controversy was brewing Friday at a Riverside Starbucks where witnesses said two deputies were ignored by employees at the store, but was it because of the badge they wore?

Two uniformed deputies said four employees at the Iowa and University avenues refused to serve them Thursday.

“Controversy Brewing After 2 Riverside Deputies Say They Were Refused Service At Starbucks,” CBSN, December 13, 2019

Starbucks Barista Fired After Officer’s Cup Had ‘Pig’ on the Label

An Oklahoma police officer working on Thanksgiving made a Starbucks run for emergency dispatchers to thank them for working during the holiday. When he got his order, he said, he saw the word “PIG” printed on a cup’s label.

The officer, a member of the Kiefer, Okla., police department, took the order to the dispatchers and contacted the police chief, Johnny O’Mara, who was on vacation at the time, according to Jory Mendes, a Starbucks spokesman.

The word “PIG” was printed on all five cups, KTUL-TV reported. When Chief O’Mara called the Starbucks, in Glenpool, Okla., the manager offered to reprint the cups, which the chief said was an insufficient apology, the station reported.

The officer told the station that the barista contacted him, apologized and said it was meant as a joke.

Mariel, Padilla, “Starbucks Barista Fired After Officer’s Cup Had ‘Pig’ on the Label,” New York Times, November 30, 2019.

2 Cook Out employees fired after cashier refused to serve Roxboro police officer

A local fast food restaurant is facing some backlash after an employee allegedly refused to serve a law enforcement officer.

A cashier at a Roxboro ‘Cook Out’ – is now accused of refusing to serve men and women in uniform.

Town officials tell Eyewitness News that the cashier is now off the job.

“We’re saddened that an employee denied service to a police officer. We promote unity,” Roxboro Police Chief David Hess said. “Unfortunately, it’s all because of a small action that could have been avoided.” . . .

Tim Pulliam, “2 Cook Out employees fired after cashier refused to serve Roxboro police officer,” ABC Channel 11 (Raleigh, NC), November 11, 2019.

Restaurant apologizes for asking San Antonio officer with gun to leave

The manager asked the San Antonio police officer, who was in soft uniform, displaying his badge and carrying his duty weapon, to leave because the establishment has a “no guns” company policy.

However, under Texas state law, an off-duty peace officer is allowed to carry his or her weapon in public establishments such as hotels, restaurants, sports venues or shops. . . .

Priscilla Aguirre, “Restaurant apologizes for asking San Antonio officer with gun to leave,” San Antonio Express, July 29, 2019.

Moral Outrage Erupts Over Police Officers Being Asked to Leave a Starbucks

On July 4, six police officers walked into a Starbucks in Tempe, Ariz., paid for their orders, then stood near the entrance of the store to drink their coffee. A white, male customer reportedly expressed discomfort to a barista at seeing the group of white police officers standing there, and according to a Starbucks spokesperson, the barista, after initially telling the customer that the officers were regulars, asked them to move to a different part of the store.

Jenny G. Zhang, “Moral Outrage Erupts Over Police Officers Being Asked to Leave a Starbucks,” Eater.com, July 10, 2019.

Oakland cafe won’t serve cops

Cops and coffee shops usually go hand in hand, but for at least one cafe, a uniformed cop is considered persona non java.

It all started when an Oakland police sergeant stopped by Hasta Muerte Coffee in the Fruitvale District to introduce himself and to buy a cup. But the sergeant was denied service.

According to a letter sent to the cafe by the Oakland police union, cafe staff told the sergeant that it “does not serve the police. Obviously, this is both a surprise and a matter of concern for all Oakland police officers.”

Henry Lee, “Oakland cafe won’t serve cops,” Fox Channel 2 KTVU, March 9, 2018.

Uniformed officer asked to leave restaurant because he had service weapon

officer was asked to leave the Outback Steakhouse in Cleveland Friday night because he had his service weapon on him. In a public post on Facebook, Andrew Ward shared the experience. He said he was asked by a manager to remove his weapon and put it in his vehicle. He explained that he had to have it on his person because he was in uniform..

According to the post, the manager made a phone call, and then asked the officer to leave citing company policy that makes Outback a gun free zone. . . .

Staff, “Uniformed officer asked to leave restaurant because he had service weapon,” NBC Channel 10 (Knoxville, TN), February 3, 2018.

Whataburger fires employee who refused to serve police officers

A Whataburger employee was fired after she refused to serve two Denison police officers early Saturday morning, the company announced Saturday afternoon.

The woman had claimed her boyfriend was “beat up” by cops, the Denison chief wrote in a Facebook post Saturday. The chief said the allegation was found to be untrue and no one was injured in that routine arrest.

The female employee cursed at the officers and the on-duty manager’s response was “I don’t get into politics,” the post said.

Eline de Bruijn, “Whataburger fires employee who refused to serve police officers,” Dallas Morning News, October 14, 2017.

Conroe police chief asked to leave doctor’s office for carrying his handgun

Conroe’s chief of police was asked to leave the Texas Ear Nose and Throat Specialists office in The Woodlands Tuesday afternoon because he was carrying his firearm.

Chief Philip Dupuis told The Courier he was wearing his badge on his belt in plain view next to his handgun, as well as his Conroe PD identification on a lanyard around his neck when he entered the doctor’s office in the 3900 block of Pinecroft Drive around 4 p.m. and started to check in. A receptionist took his driver’s license and insurance card before questioning him about the gun on his hip.

Dupuis said she asked him to take his gun out to his car. The 35-year law enforcement veteran, who never has had an accidental discharge, refused to disarm himself, reiterating that he is a police officer.

That’s when he was asked to leave, Dupuis said.

Jay Jordan, “Conroe police chief asked to leave doctor’s office for carrying his handgun,” The Courier (Montgomery County, Texas), August 9, 2017.

Brooklyn Dunkin’ Donuts owner apologizes for not serving NYPD

The owner of a Brooklyn Dunkin’ Donuts where two NYPD cops were refused servicehas personally apologized to one of the officers and plans a meeting to try and put the matter to rest, the shop’s corporate parent said Thursday.

In a prepared statement, Dunkin’ Brands spokeswoman Michelle King said the company was “aware of the recent situation” — in which a worker declared, “I don’t serve cops” — revealed exclusively by The Post. . . .

Bruce Golding, “Brooklyn Dunkin’ Donuts owner apologizes for not serving NYPD,” New York Post, August 3, 2017.

Kroger faces backlash after police, officer’s wife say employees refused to serve them (incidents in Alexandria, Louisiana and Spring, Texas)

A Houston-area woman says a teenage cashier at a Kroger supermarket in Spring, Texas, stepped away from the cash register and refused to check out her groceries last week because she was offended by the message on the customer’s T-shirt. It read: “Police Lives Matter / All Lives Matter.”

The incident occurred just a week after a similar situation in Alexandria, La., when a police officer in uniform said a cashier declined to check out her groceries.

In Texas, the woman, who says her husband is a police officer and gave only her first name — Meredith — told KTRK Eyewitness News:

“She was stating that the shirt I had on was basically a slap in the face to her and she was doing everything she could not to cry. She made me feel ashamed to have the shirt on, and I don’t appreciate that.” . . .

“Kroger faces backlash after police, officer’s wife say employees refused to serve them,” Fox News, November 27, 2016.

Walmart apologizes for refusing to make police officer’s cake

Walmart is apologizing for refusing to make a police officer’s retirement cake last week after an employee told the cop’s daughter that her “thin blue line” cake design might be considered racist.

The police officer’s daughter, who has remained anonymous, told radio host Todd Starnes that she went to a Walmart in McDonough, Georgia on Thursday to ask for a cake with the American flag in black and white with a blue stripe added in.

But one of the employees at the bakery balked at the common police officer emblem, telling the woman “the design could be perceived as racist and nobody feels comfortable decorating the cake,” she recounted to Starnes. When she asked for a simpler cake, with just one blue line on a chocolate background, the employee said she didn’t “feel comfortable” with that design either. . . .

Elizabeth Koh, “Walmart apologizes for refusing to make police officer’s cake,” Charlotte Observer, September 26, 2016.

Walmart employee accused of refusing service to St. Cloud police officer

The St. Cloud Police Department recently filed a formal complaint with Walmart after an employee allegedly refused service to a St. Cloud police officer.

“That’s really wrong. I don’t think an employee should be doing that, and Walmart should issue an apology,” said Hector Pozzo, who was shopping at the store.. . . .

The store has since responded and announced that the employee involved in the allegations no longer works there.

Brittany Harris, “Walmart employee accused of refusing service to St. Cloud police officer,” Orlando Sentinel, August 17, 2016.

2 Virginia Noodles and Co. employees fired refusing serve to police officer (NoodlesCompany)

Two Virginia Noodles and Company employees have been fired after an Alexandria police officer says they refused to serve her Monday evening.

A representative with the International Union Police of Associations (IUPA) tells WUSA, the female officer tried to order from the restaurant, located at 3105 Duke Street.

The IPAU says incident happened when the officer, who does not want to be identified, was waiting in line to place her order.

She said a cook at the restaurant came to the front counter and said they refused to cook the officer’s meal. At that point, she said employees started laughing about the statement. . . .

Vernon Freeman, Jr., “2 Virginia Noodles and Co. employees fired refusing serve to police officer,” WTVR Channel 6, July 28, 2016.

McDonald’s worker fired for refusing service to Texas police officer

A McDonald’s worker in Texas was fired Wednesday after refusing to provide service to a police officer, CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV reports.

The owners of the McDonald’s franchise in Brenham said the actions of their employee were completely unacceptable, and police said it was the right thing to do.

“Nobody deserves to be treated like that,” Brenham Police Chief Craig Goodman told the station.

Staff, “McDonald’s worker fired for refusing service to Texas police officer,” CBS News, July 28, 2016.

Taco Bell fires employee who refused to serve police

A cashier at a Taco Bell in Alabama wouldn’t serve cops. Now she won’t serve anybody else after the fast food chain fired her.

The firing came after a woman complained on social media about how the two deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were treated.

Tammy Bush Mayo, a wife of another deputy, said she was ticked off that two of her husband’s colleagues were turned away Saturday at the Taco Bell in Phenix City, Alabama. The cashier told the uniformed deputies that law enforcement would not be served and that they needed to leave, according to CNN affiliate WTVM. . . .

Doug Criss, “Taco Bell fires employee who refused to serve police,” CNN, July 18, 2016.

Hardees Exec Apologizes to Minnesota Officer Who was Refused Service

Jackie Minks, an officer with the Milaca Police Department, was allegedly denied service Tuesday at the restaurant. Minks posted on Facebook that “a cook … refused to make food for me today because she doesn’t like cops.”

The post continues: “When I talked to the manager about it she dismissed it as ‘silly’ and said she wasn’t going to do anything with the employee. . . .

Staff, “Hardees Exec Apologizes to Minnesota Officer Who was Refused Service,” Police Magazine, October 16, 2015.

Pembroke Pines police officer refused service at Arby’s

Pembroke Pines police spokeswoman Amanda Conwell said a uniformed officer was denied service Tuesday night at the Arby’s on Pines Boulevard. The reason, Conwell said, was because the customer was a police officer.

“Pembroke Pines police officer refused service at Arby’s,” WPLG television Channel 10 (Pembroke Park, FL), September 2, 2015

Chuck E. Cheese refuses service to Ky. police officer over firearm

A Chuck E. Cheese in Kentucky is facing backlash after an armed police officer was denied entry over her service weapon.

The family restaurant chain’s national headquarters said the entire situation is a misunderstanding after the officer, wearing a marked police polo shirt, was denied service at its Bowling Green location because of her gun. The company explains that their no-guns policy does not apply to uniformed officers, a local ABC affiliate reported.

“Our firearms policy does not apply to officers in uniform. We do have a firearms policy for civilians and off-duty non-uniformed officers, but officers in uniform are always welcome to bring in their firearms,” said Chuck E. Cheese’s headquarters Public Relations Chair Alexis Lynn. . . .

Jessica Chasmar, “Chuck E. Cheese refuses service to Ky. police officer over firearm,” Washington Times, August 24, 2015.

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