Texas Restaurant Apologizes after Armed, Off-Duty Policeman Kicked Out of Birthday Party

After an outcry on social media, a San Antonio steakhouse restaurant called Fogo de Chão issued an apology after a manager there reportedly asked an off-duty policeman, in soft uniform, to leave the premises because he was carrying a firearm.

The officer was attending a family birthday party and had been in the restaurant for some 30 minutes before he was kicked out.  

After learning of the incident, a former career police officer in Texas decided to spread the word on his Facebook page: “The manager stated it’s their corporate policy that “No Guns” are allowed inside the establishment. The manager was advised that the “Law” applies to concealed carry permits holders and not police officers. The manager again said to leave.  The Sgt asked if he was in a full uniform trying to eat would he still be asked to leave ......the manager again said yes!! The Sgt accepted the managers request and left the establishment as his family stayed behind to sing happy birthday to the family member. To all my brothers and sisters in blue....San Antonio always backs the blue and for this to happen in our city is an attack on us all.”

According to local news media, many witnesses “took to the restaurant’s Facebook page to express their disgust with how the situation was handled.”

Although the restaurant manager allegedly cited company policy as the reason for evicting the policeman, Texas law in fact allows police to carry their firearms in public establishments like restaurants, hotels and sporting events even if they are off-duty.

The restaurant has issued an apology. The restaurant posted this comment on its Facebook page: “We sincerely apologize to the San Antonio Police Department and the officer in question [for the incident that occurred at our restaurant last night]. Unfortunately, a member of our team recently made the wrong call in San Antonio. We are working hard to address and correct this unfortunate lapse in judgment. We will address the policy internally and make sure our team members are clear. We support, respect and appreciate everything our law enforcement does to keep each and every one of us safe, day in and day out.”