San Francisco police union slams Arab bakery Reem’s for refusing to serve cops while they’re armed and in uniform

The San Francisco Police Union has criticized an Arab bakery for refusing to serve police officers when they are armed and in uniform.

The officer went to Reem’s California Misson, an Arab bakery and restaurant on 25th and Mission, on Thursday and was denied service. San Francisco Police Department (SPOA) President Lieutenant Tracy McCray accused the Arab establishment of displaying “anti-police bigotry.”

But a spokesman for Reem’s claims their policy — which has been in effect since the restaurant opened in 2017 — is to not serve anyone who is armed, including police officers on duty. Their restaurant also prohibits firearms Mission Local.

McCray learned of their policy in an email and told Fox News Digital, “Let’s put all the jokes aside — those directed at police officers.”

She joked, “Because who do you see most visible? So, get the bulls out… just say what you mean, and we can move on.”

Reem’s California Mission is an Arabic bakery and restaurant that has been around since 2017. Their policy includes ‘no armed and uniformed’ and ‘no guns’ policy has been in effect since they opened their doors.

The SPOA designed a “no police allowed” sign which they say is in line with the restaurant’s police

The San Francisco Police Officer Association posted this “No Cops Allowed” tweet on Thursday

McCray asked the restaurant if they would put up a sign about the policy so officers would know not to visit the business.

The union president said she has not received a response, Fox News Digital reports.

McKray said the officer had just completed a 16-hour shift and was working overtime at a nearby auto show when he went to the Arab establishment.

The same day the officer was dismissed, the SPOA posted a series of tweets informing the public about what happened.

“We are not asking Reem’s or any company with bigoted policies to serve our officers. We ask them to highlight their discriminatory policies and put up a sign so we know we are not allowed to spend money at your establishment, both on and off duty. We took the liberty of designing one for them.’

The second tweet from the SPOA read, “NO COPS ALLOWED. That is the confirmed policy of bakery chain Reem’s. One of our officers was denied service last weekend for being in uniform.

Reem’s confirms they will not serve anyone armed and in uniform. Presumably this includes members of the US military.”

A spokesman for Reem’s responded that the officers are welcome when off duty.

Reem’s California Mission posted a response to the incident on their Instagram

The restaurant expressed their gratitude to their supporters via Instagram

“The policy is for armed officers, and we are letting police officers know that we welcome them back to our establishment when they are off duty and unarmed,” they tweeted.

In a follow-up statement on Aug. 25, Reem’s posted a statement on their Instagram about their community involvement.

“Reem’s has a deep commitment to advancing social and racial justice in our communities,” the statement said.

“This includes promoting a safe environment for our staff and customers. At a time of increasing gun violence – especially people of color, youth and queer people – we believe that enforcing a strict no-gun policy in our restaurant keeps us safer.”

The post continued, “Many members of our community have been impacted by gun violence, whether through experiences on the streets of San Francisco stemming from war or occupation, or increased fear due to a growing climate of political extremism. All too often black and brown people and poor people are victims of this violence,” the report continued.

McCray told the news outlet the statement is “unfair,” after she received only a two-sentence email confirming what SPOA deemed a “no police allowed” policy.

“How do you enforce that?” McCray asked about the policy. “Is this the honor system? You come in and everyone asks you, “Are you armed?”

Reem’s California Mission is located in San Francisco’s Mission District

The post was viewed thousands of times and many had mixed reactions to the incident that took place.

“It is their right to refuse service to anyone,” one wrote. “We must respect their rights!!!.”

“That’s discrimination, friend,” someone else interjected.

Someone asked, “What happens when they need the cops’ help because a real BAD GUY shows up with a gun to rob them?” who they are going to call, (GHOST BUSTERS) BECAUSE THEY JUST Eclipsed Law Enforcement.”

The restaurant reported that they are closed for holidays until Sept. 5 due to a “planned break for the team,” but a representative for Reem’s said they are open for catering.

Reem’s posted their gratitude to his supporters on their Instagram.

“Thanks for all your support community. It’s times like these that make us hopeful that our small business can survive and remain grounded in our values,” the post reads.

“We can’t wait to reopen our doors very soon and provide the sanctuary space you all deserve. In the meantime, view our catering page online and support us during our temporary closure.’

San Francisco police told the news source in an email on Friday.

While corporations have the right, within the limits of the law, to decide who they will and will not serve, the San Francisco Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the public safety needs of ALL residents, businesses and visitors to our city it doesn’t matter who they are’ The San Francisco standard reported.