Two uniformed Las Vegas police officers were eager for a hot meal during their graveyard shift when they entered The Lodge at Cactus, a late-night bar and grill, as reported by KTNV-TV. But before they could find a table, they encountered an unexpected roadblock.
The bartender, with a dramatic shake of his head and a “stop” motion across his neck, informed the officers, “We don’t serve you guys here anymore.” Confused and thinking it was a joke, the officers soon realized the man was serious and left the establishment quietly.
Officer Aden Ocampo-Gomez confirmed the incident to KSNV-TV, noting that although the restaurant has the right to refuse service, they respected the establishment’s decision. However, the officers didn’t anticipate the manager’s response to the bartender’s actions.
After learning of the incident, the restaurant reached out to the police department, offering a sincere apology and informing them that the bartender was suspended indefinitely, facing possible termination. The Las Vegas’ Police Protective Association revealed in a statement that the corporation had the highest respect for the officers and that one individual’s actions didn’t represent the feelings of The Lodge Corporation.
“After the email went out to our membership, the owner of the corporation reached out to us regarding this issue,” the Las Vegas’ Police Protective Association said in a statement. “They informed us that the bartender in question is on indefinite suspension facing potential termination. The Lodge has the highest respect for the men and women of LVMPD and love nothing more than to have them in their establishments, whether on duty or off. They explained that one man’s actions are not indicative of the feelings of The Lodge Corporation and they hope that officers will still come to the establishments.”
In a show of support, the LVMPD Traffic Bureau tweeted a photo of several officers posing with a member of the restaurant’s management, emphasizing that the bartender’s actions didn’t reflect the beliefs and support of The Lodge at Cactus.
The police union has accepted the restaurant’s apology, considering the incident an isolated event. They commended the management’s handling of the situation, and the officers have since established a good relationship with the business.
In a heartening turn of events, two other establishments, Distill and Remedy’s, have offered free meals to all uniformed officers ordering between midnight and 8 a.m. in response to the anti-law enforcement sentiment displayed at The Lodge at Cactus.
In a time when discrimination against police officers is becoming increasingly prevalent, it is essential to recognize and appreciate businesses that refuse to tolerate such bigotry and take swift action against employees who perpetuate it.
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