Restaurants and cafes across the U.S. are beginning to announce that law enforcement will no longer receive discounts at their locations due to police brutality in the wake of the George Floyd protests.
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“We’re fed up,” Allie’s Donuts in North Kingston, RI, said, according to ToddStarnes.com. “Until local police take action to solve problems with racism and injustice, Allie’s Donuts will choose to stand with the people of our great state. We will no longer offer military or police discounts. Thank you for your service, and shame on you for your silence.”
The website reported that the shop’s public callout proved good for business and posted pictures of customers lined up around the block.
Another report out of Columbus, Ohio, said that employees at a café staged a walkout after the restaurant refused to stop its 50 percent off discount for law enforcement.
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“I know it’s important and imperative on me to do everything I can to use my whiteness for this movement and to show up and just be a body in support of the black voices that are constantly fighting for better change in this country. And to do just do all that I can and go where I am called and shout as loud as I can,” said Isaac Bean, a former employee, told ABC 6/Fox 28.
Pizza Luce, a pizza chain in Minneapolis, reportedly announced that it would also suspend police discounts.
“In the coming weeks, we will take the time to further reevaluate our relationship with the police,” the statement said. “We will be looking at existing contracts, regulations and security stipulations in our operating agreements as well as what our options are.”
Pizza Luce is located at the epicenter of protests over the death of Floyd in police custody. Last week, the city suffered looting and arson after a video emerged that showed a city police officer with his knee pinning Floyd’s neck to the ground. There have since been calls for the city to dissolve its police department.
The move by the restaurant is the latest sign of a fissure between law enforcement and the cities they serve.
Matt Drescher, the owner of Allie’s Donuts, tried to clarify his post after some backlash from the community and said many police officers do good work.
“I don’t hate the military, that wasn’t the point and it’s been twisted and I get it the attack was wrong and the approach was wrong,” he said, according to WPRI. “I am sorry if you were offended.”