San Antonio restaurant apologizes after asking officer to leave because he was armed

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.

San Antonio Police Officers Association has put out the following statement regarding the incident:

“We thank the owners of Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse for acknowledging the mistake by one of their employees and for issuing a statement of support of San Antonio Police Officers,” said Michael Helle, President of the San Antonio Police Officers Association. “While we hope this wasn’t an example of anti-police bias, at the very least this incident shows that public-serving establishments need to be better educated about state gun laws, particularly as they apply to Police Officers.”

Additional reporting by KTSA’s Dennis Foley.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – A San Antonio restaurant is apologizing after asking a police officer to leave because he was carrying a gun.

Bobbie Woodward Jones posted on Facebook that the officer had his badge, but the manager at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse downtown insisted that he leave Saturday night. The officer walked out, but his party stayed behind and sang Happy Birthday to someone at their table.

A statement from the company says,”We sincerely apologize to the San Antonio Police Department and the officer in question for the incident that occurred at our restaurant. Unfortunately, a member of our team 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.”

CEO, Barry McGowan, also personally reached out to the officer.

Peace officers are allowed by law to carry guns in restaurants, hotels and other public places.

 

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SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – A San Antonio restaurant is apologizing after asking a police officer to leave because he was carrying a gun.

Bobbie Woodward Jones posted on Facebook that the officer had his badge, but the manager at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse on East Commerce Street insisted that he leave Saturday night. The officer walked out, but his party stayed behind and sang Happy Birthday to someone at their table.

The head of the San Antonio Police Officers Association tells KSAT-TV that peace officers are allowed to be armed in restaurants, hotels and other public places.

The restaurant has apologized, and SAPOA President Mike Helle says he hopes the restaurant will train its employees on the law.