Alabama Deputies Refused Service at Taco Bell

An employee at the Taco Bell in Phenix City, Alabama has been fired after refusing services to two uniformed Sheriff's deputies Saturday.

The two Lee County Sheriff's deputies were told by a cashier at 9:40pm that they would not serve any law enforcement and that the pair would need to leave. The wife of one of the deputies posted the story to Facebook:

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said in a statement:

I'm very disappointed that simply because they were uniformed law enforcement officers that our deputies were treated in such negative fashion. We pride ourselves in giving people basic respect and only ask the same in return.
I am inclined to believe that this was the attitude of one employee and not the policy of the management. The fair thing is to give them an opportunity to respond.
We won't base our opinion of Taco Bell on one employee's negative action any more than the general public should base their opinion of law enforcement on the negative action of one officer.

Laura Nedbal, a spokesperson for Taco Bell, issued this statement:

Taco Bell and Tacala, the franchise owner of the Phenix City Taco Bell, in no way endorse this sentiment. We are deeply appreciative of the men and women who have taken the oath to serve and protect our communities. Our franchisee has launched an investigation into this matter and will take appropriate action. Tacala will be reaching out directly to Deputy Sheriff Mayo and his wife Tammy Bush Mayo.
In the course of the investigation at the Taco Bell in Phenix City, Tacala, the franchise owner of that location, has terminated the employee who refused service to two Lee County Deputies on July 16th. Tacala has contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Department to apologize directly to the two Deputies and assure them of their ongoing support of law enforcement.