A man leading a particular lifestyle who refuses to wear shoes has been thrown out of a McDonald’s branch in England after ordering his food. James Graham he was at McDonald’s at Ravenside Retail Park in Bexhill, Sussex, when he says he was told to leave shortly after sitting down.
The 55-year-old widower said: “I went to McDonald’s and ordered my food. Minding my own business, I sat waiting for table service when one of the service people came and He said he couldn’t be there without shoes”.
“I asked him about this and he said the words ‘No shoes, no shirt, no service’, to which I told him it was an old saying from the hippie era in the US. But she was not willing to accept any of this. She went to find the manager, who said she could kick me out.”
“He said he thought the incident was ‘a bit silly’, adding that he was sitting right next to a play area, which James said was often filled with barefoot children playing.
He said: “I spoke to head office and sent them an email. They said it was up to that site’s franchise manager.”
“I think it’s weird to make these split-second decisions when I’m not hurting anyone.”
“In 2013 I had a life changing experience. My wife passed away and I’ve been living life ever since. Life is too short not to do the things you think you’d like to do.”
James said he ran 20 marathons barefoot. He ran the Eastbourne Half Marathon last Sunday and plans to run the London Marathon this year without shoes.
She added that her barefoot lifestyle has had mixed reactions from the public.
James said, “Some are completely horrified and don’t understand it.” Others are completely behind him and say they wish they had the courage and freedom to do so.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “At McDonald’s we want to create a welcoming environment where all of our customers can enjoy their experience.”
“The Bexhill team have advised the customer that for their own safety and the comfort of other diners, all customers are advised to wear footwear in the restaurant.”
“When he declined, the customer was allowed to stay on this occasion and finish his meal before leaving.”
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.