BACKGROUND
We were just as surprised as you to hear from listeners on Friday that a lowcountry shop employee in a downtown Summerville wine bar asked a Trump 2020 hat wearing patron to remove his cap, or leave. First, an observer called the show to report it as a 'Big Fail' in fitting with the theme of the show. Then, the actual man who was asked to leave was listening to 94.3 WSC, and called in himself to recount the experience.Take a listen to here or on below player:
UPDATE
The shop's owners have responded with an apology and an explanation as to how their 'political policy' got a bit twisted by a staff member. Here's the response via the Facebook page, in a comments thread:
Accent on Wine: We are truly sorry that it came down to this unfortunate impasse, which we as owners and manager do not condone or endorse. On Saturday evening, October 12, a patron walked into our Summerville wine shop wearing a hat that read Trump 2020. Our bartender, at the time, asked him to remove the hat since the organization in general has a policy that no signage or literature of a political nature be displayed on the premises. We regret that the employee misinterpreted the policy, applying it to a garment, in this case, and asked the patron to remove it or leave, the latter of which he did. The unwritten policy about political signage and collateral does not apply to garments with various messages and political or otherwise affiliations. This incident has taught us that we must formally articulate the policy, fully train our staff on every detail, and incorporate it clearly into our employee manual. We’ll also be placing emphasis not just on this but on any form or manner of discrimination, which will not be tolerated in any way inside our establishment.
We fully believe in everyone’s right to their own views, whether sipping and supping with us, or otherwise. From the start, almost 10 years ago, we have worked to instill a warm, comfortable atmosphere that is relaxed and welcoming of all. We have been blessed with wonderful friends, fans and followers, and we apologize to anyone who is or was offended by the action of one staff member who thought he was doing the right thing. In the end, we are to blame for the fact it was not clear where the line is drawn. We want to welcome you equally and warmly- and to celebrate your right to your own beliefs, and to a true patriotic spirit for us all. We hope you’ll come see us then, or in the days to come.
This was just an error in interpretation by a staff member, but we accept responsibility for not making the policy crystal clear to every team member. We have never denied patriotic apparel in the past nor will we in the future.
Thank you for your loyal patronage over these years.
Owners
Christine and Stephane Peltier
And, be sure to check out the podcast of a 'Kelly Golden Show' listener on Monday, who was happy to hear from the shop owner herself, explaining with an apology that ended with a welcoming of everyone into her establishment. You can fast forward the player to 9 minutes and 25 seconds in ...
I'm happy the air is cleared on this unfortunate incident, but I do wonder, how many small business owners are dealing with similar situations in such politically divisive times? Stay tuned, 6-9 a.m. on 94.3 WSC as we continue our conversation about just that! Thanks for listening - kg