Utah A.G. says SLC bar didn’t discriminate with Instagram post banning Zionists
Apr 4, 2024, 4:35 PM
The Utah Attorney General's office said Weathered Waves, a bar that posted a notice saying it wouldn't serve Zionists, did not discriminate against any of its customers. (Facebook)
(Facebook)
SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City bar that posted a notice saying it wouldn’t serve Zionists did not discriminate against any of its customers, the Utah Attorney General’s Office said.
According to a report from KSL TV, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services asked for an investigation on March 6, 2024, after the Weathered Waves, A Six Sailor Cider Bar posted on Instagram that they would “ban all Zionists from our establishments.”
Because of the social media post, the bar was accused of anti-Semitism.
“Despite your expressing potentially discriminatory views, we were unable to substantiate claims that you have denied service to anyone at this time,” said Amanda N. Montague, division director and state agency counsel with the Utah Attorney General’s Office.
Montague urged Weathered Waves to reconsider its statements.
“In an effort to fulfill our responsibility to ‘conciliate’ claims of discrimination, however, we strongly urge you to reconsider your statement that you will not service individuals expressing certain beliefs.
“You are entitled to express your views freely, but you are not entitled to deny someone service or otherwise discriminate based on someone’s religion, ancestry or national origin,” Montague wrote.
