Wisconsin restaurant prohibits customers that smell of marijuana - accused of targeting

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WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- At the Mayfair Collection in Wauwatosa, the parking lot at Golden Nest Pancakes and Cafe is always packed. But now, some customers feel like they’re caught in the middle.

It’s because of this sign inside: “Please do not enter if you smell of marijuana. Golden Nest Pancake and Cafe is a family restaurant and this is unappealing while guests are dining.”

“I always come to Golden Nest. It’s one of my favorite breakfast places, actually. I’ve been here twice this week,” said customer Iyani Raines. “If you have a preference, that’s one thing, but I just don’t feel like everyone’s bothered because we’re not even sitting in close proximity where we can smell one another. It’s a restaurant. It’s gonna smell like eggs.”

Wayne Doney, the restaurant's general manager, says the sign went up months ago.

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Some say they feel the sign is targeted.

“Basically, a group of young individuals. A group of African American individuals that you do not want visiting,” said customer Yolanda. “You cannot exclude someone for smelling like marijuana just like you cannot exclude someone for having body odor. I don’t see the difference.”

Doney says that’s not the case.

“There’s no demographics about it. I don’t care if you’re old, young, doesn’t matter,” said Doney. “We’ve never had any other issues with any other odor before.”

“I think marijuana was very intentional because had they said no smelling of smoke, then maybe everyone wouldn’t feel so targeted,” said Raines. “Why can’t I come in and have breakfast? My money is as good as anyone else’s.”

Others say they’re worried other restaurants may follow suit.

“It’s disappointing because you’re gonna start putting that everywhere, basically saying that we are not allowed here. And it’s Black History Month and I’m proud to say that. Take the sign down,” said Yolanda.

The restaurant says they don’t plan on taking the sign down.

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