Florida bar refuses to serve veteran with service dog

Stephen Harmon, other veterans were told their service dogs could stay, but they had to leave

[marleyboy]

I'm sure the bar owner is apologizing for the fear of losing business & not sympathetic about this.

[CRAFT]

That’s the first time I’ve ever heard “the dog can stay but you have to go” from any establishment. I’m not in favor of frivolous lawsuits, but this screams of court action against the bar, the owner, and managers.

[guittadabe]

So glad the lady manager said that she just didn't want to serve the veteran. It's not the dog that was the problem, but the veteran. She's just bigoted against veterans. That's the reason for the snide remarks that the dog could stay but he has to leave. It looks like the attitude came from the very top as another manager said the same thing to the group that came with their service dogs to the bar. No sympathy for what happens to them in a court of law.

[JamyzTJerk]

"We just don't want to serve him."
So, you're admitting discrimination. Great, this should be an open and shut case. Thanks!

[danielwaters]

Refuse to do business with the bar or anyone who discriminates against anyone, for any reason. They don't deserve your business and certainly not your money. Thank you to all military veterans and especially those who were injured or suffered traumatic PTSD from their service.

[joe]

OK everybody boycott the "Port Hole Bar and Grille" in Port Orange, Florida...Send a message to not disrespect a veteran...

[jasonclark]

Wow. I was a bouncer at a very large southwestern bar for many years and never ever did anyone have the petty desire, or the balls to refuse service to a disabled person - with or without a service animal (purse dogs fed off of a plate do not count). Amazing what people will do to each other.

[kenschreiber]

As a handicapped American I hope you hold the bar owner accountable with a civil suit.

[ricosuave]

“We just don’t want to serve him” ... says the bar manager. Yet, the co-owner says it was wrong and they apologize. Well Mike, maybe the first step is you need to hire staff that are not complete idiots. You choose the behaviour, you choose the consequences. I hope there was enough bad PR about this place that business dwindled and it’s now closed for good. Shame on all of you who treated these people and their service dogs this way.

[suzannalytle]

Did the owner just say this shows that they MAY need to be trained better that was probably one of the worst non-apologetic apologies I have ever heard. Even when confronted with proof he won't even acknowledge that he or his staff did anything wrong.

[GaryPartin]

That's a FEDERAL OFFENSE bartender should be arrested

[Nekulturny]

"feels its discrimination"? It doesn't just feel like it, its literally the definition of discrimination. This beyond the point of acceptability. There is no excuse for this, if you're not intelligent enough to know you can't kick people out with service animals, you're not intelligent enough to own a business or be a manager of one.

[disiamtheillusion]

Revoke their liquor license.govt rules prevent descrimination.make an example of them

[edwhite]

There is no apology that can undo what this bar has done, They should be boycotted until they close their doors. This bar is a disgrace to America.

[hunterinthebush]

Steve...Thank you for your service and God Bless.

[jimmartin]

When the comment "the dog can stay, but you have to go" comes out of two server's mouths, that confirms that it is a trained policy (i.m.o.).
Sue, put the employees on the stand and make them admit it....then wait for the first offer.

Meanwhile stage a service dog showdown at this restaurant. They will elect to close for the day, lock up and leave. A few days like that with the media looking on and Mr. Silk tie will be selling his joint.

[joann]

Florida need you say more😕
Sorry you were treated so disrespectful.💙

[HiThere-scjr]

To say "DOG CAN STAY BUT MAN HAS TO
THIS MAN IS A VETERAN. HE SHOULD BE PRAISED!!!

[GrandMasterLynx]

I’m sorry you had to deal with this &

Thank You For Your Service

[hippysplace]

This is disgusting, my Brother served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 26 yrs and retired, he has PTSD and a service dog for it, in Canada it is ILLEGAL to deny a service dog any where. but unfortunately it still happens. Such a sad day when people don't recognize our Vets no matter the country, makes me sick.