Reem’s, a restaurant and bakery that serves Arab food, has dedicated itself to “uplifting social and racial justice in our communities.” The company decided saying “NO” to the police was the best way to convey their message. Now they are getting called out for discrimination.
The San Francisco Police Officers’ Association criticized the bakery and restaurant for declining service to a police officer. The establishment adopted the “NO COPS ALLOWED” policy and confirmed it via email. This controversial rule came to light after an officer was turned away.
“One of our officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform,” the SFPOA shared on social media, accompanied by a screenshot of an email from a Reem’s executive. The email detailed the company’s stance to “not serve anyone that is armed and in a uniform.”
In a subsequent post, the union encouraged the bakery and similar establishments to openly display signage about these discriminatory policies, saving police time and money. Reem’s website highlights its commitment to “social justice” and lists it as a core company value.
NO COPS ALLOWED. That’s the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reem’s. One of our officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform. Reem’s confirms that they will not serve anyone armed and in uniform. Presumably, this includes members of the US Military. pic.twitter.com/0cDzEV0D68
— San Francisco POA (@SanFranciscoPOA) August 24, 2023
Officer Vincent Fontela said, “I politely left because I believe that police officers and community members should spend more time listening to each other than shouting at each other.” He added, “You can’t do that when your presence isn’t wanted and your money is no good.”
The business doubled down on its anti-police message to Instagram, stating, “In a time of increased gun violence — particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people — we believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer.”
Despite the trend of companies embracing woke ideologies and facing financial consequences, Reem’s appears to believe it’s immune. A survey revealed that only 18% of respondents supported the “defund the police” movement, while 58% opposed it.
Establishments refusing service to law enforcement often view it as a “peaceful protest” move. Detractors consider it passive-aggressive pettiness. Many argue that companies like Reem’s are wrong to deny service based solely on one’s profession.
Categorizing a whole group based on one stereotype is usually frowned upon. Interestingly, it’s evident that those on the left engage in the very behavior they criticize. Society has seemingly lost the ability to view each person as an individual.
Repeatedly, the left has displayed animosity toward law enforcement, White individuals, straight individuals, and religious groups. Reem’s attempt to make a statement implies that barring uniformed officers from their establishment will increase customers’ sense of security.
Ironically, statistics show only 2.8% of gun-related deaths result from law enforcement. The primary contributors are suicide (52%), homicide (44%) and 0.5% undetermined. Californians are more likely to succumb to suicide and homicides than law enforcement-related fatalities.
