A steakhouse in Detroit is standing by its dress code policy that includes smelling like marijuana.
In a Facebook post, Caucus Club in Detroit wrote its dress code policy is business casual, reminding customers that “proper attire is required,” and that includes smelling like marijuana.
“Seriously people, hoodies, and jerseys are not business attire. Neither are ball caps and sneakers,” the caption says. “Most importantly, if you smell like marijuana don’t even think of stepping inside the Caucus Club.”
The restaurant’s owner, George Sboukis, told WJBK that he didn’t mean any harm by the post and said it “was a reminder with a little bit of sauce just to get people’s attention.”
“It’s so pungent, some of the guests have commented, ‘It smells like you’re seated next to a dead skunk,'” he told the local news outlet.
Some Facebook users commented voiced their support of the restaurant’s decision, while others claimed the rule was racist.
“This is a thinly veiled attempt at racism. Trying to racially profile before your clients even show up?!?! Probably a kiss of death for the establishment. I’ll never eat there,” one person wrote.
“This is coded language for racism and is likely going to be used as a tool to prevent Black and POC Detroiter’s from dining here,” another user commented.
But Sboukis told WJBK it’s not like that at all.
“We’ve had people celebrating their 50th (anniversary) last week, the week before that. They’re getting dressed up, they’re putting on an evening gown, their earrings, their best suit,” Sboukis explained. “They’re coming out to celebrate and they expect to be surrounded by like-minded guests.”
In Michigan, recreational marijuana use is legal for all adults ages 21 and older, though state law prohibits smoking in public spaces, with residents encouraged to instead limit use to their homes or other private areas.
The Caucus Club did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for additional comment.
*story by Insider