I'm curious how other people in Spartanburg feel about something that recently happened involving The Flock Shop.
A family member was having lunch at the restaurant during his break from work. He ordered a single beer with his meal. He was not drunk, was not behaving inappropriately, and, to my knowledge, showed no signs of impairment. (Big guy 6 foot, 280 pounds who works outdoors in the heat)
The restaurant manager photographed him drinking the beer, then photographed his receipt.
Rather than addressing any concern with the customer directly, the manager sent both photographs to his employer.
His employer subsequently used those photographs as grounds to terminate his employment.
Now, I understand that employers can have policies regarding alcohol consumption during work hours. That's a separate issue, and I'm not suggesting otherwise.
My concern is the conduct of the restaurant manager.
When did it become acceptable for restaurant management to photograph paying customers, document their purchases, and report them to their employers?
If a customer is behaving appropriately, paying for their meal, and causing no disturbance, why is the restaurant involving itself in that person's employment?
I find the situation troubling, particularly because this wasn't someone creating a disturbance or posing an apparent threat to anyone.
I'm genuinely curious whether other people would be comfortable patronizing an establishment knowing its management might photograph their purchases and share that information with third parties - employers, spouses, religious leaders.
Would you consider this acceptable customer service, or a serious breach of trust?