Taco Bell employee fired after denying service to deputies
PHENIX CITY, AL (KTRK) -- A cashier at a Taco Bell in Alabama refused to serve two deputies. Now, she won't serve anyone else at the fast food chain since the restaurant fired her.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office told WRBL-TV two of its deputies were denied service at a Taco Bell on Highway 280 in Phenix City.
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said in a statement that the uniformed deputies were told by the cashier Saturday night that they wouldn't be served and they needed to leave.
And it wasn't just the cashier that didn't want the deputies around. Another customer inside the restaurant allegedly supported the cashier's decision and said, "I didn't want to eat with cops."
Tammy Bush Mayo, who is married to another deputy posted about the encounter on Facebook and her post went viral.
Sheriff Jones said based on the law - people may not be denied service based on race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. However, appearance is not specifically included.
But that hasn't stopped some people from speaking up against the Taco Bell.
WATCH: Officers Pay Bill For Couple Who Didn't Want To Sit Near Them
"There will still be a lot of people that are still not going to patronize or bring their business to Taco Bell and no doubt that with this news on social media," said resident, Micah Holland.
The sheriff released a statement which said in part:
"We won't base our opinion of Taco Bell on one employee's negative action any more than the general public should base their opinion of law enforcement on the negative action of one officer."
Taco Bell spokeswoman Laura Nedbal said in a statement that the restaurant's franchise owner has since fired the employee and "has contacted the Lee County Sheriff's Department to apologize directly to the two deputies and assure them of their ongoing support of law enforcement."
WATCH: Police Officer Busts A Move During Community BBQ And Goes Viral
Jones says the sheriff's office appreciates the restaurant's response to the incident.
