A barefoot man who was allegedly kicked from McDonald’s has spoken out about the incident and revealed why he prefers to walk around without socks and shoes.
55-year-old James Graham is a barefoot movement veteran who hasn’t worn any socks or shoes in years.
As the man from Sussex, England, explained, he began his barefoot journeys back in 2013 after his wife had passed away. Since then, he participated barefoot in over 20 marathons and has grown to love the practice that encourages foot strength and flexibility while providing him with the feeling of freedom.
James’ practice, however, was not well-accepted by McDonald’s staff at Ravenside Retail Park in Bexhill where he was confronted by a staff who told him: “No shoes, no service.”
“I went to McDonald’s in Ravenside and ordered my food. Minding my own business, I just sat down waiting for the table service when one of the service people came up and said that I could not be in there without shoes on,” the man recalled.
“I questioned her about this and she said the words. ‘No shoes, no shirt, no service,’ to which I told her that this was an old saying from hippie times in the US, used to restrict people from going into places.
“But she was having none of it. She went to get the manager, who said I may cut myself.”
James continued: “I spoke to head office and emailed them. They said it was down to the franchise manager of that site. I think it’s strange to make these decisions in a split second when I’m doing no harm to anyone.”
As the disgruntled McDonald’s customer added, there were plenty of barefoot kids playing in the play area at the store without a problem.
After his complaint went viral, McDonald’s responded by saying customers are required to wear shoes inside their restaurants for the sake of other diners.
“At McDonald’s we want to create a welcoming environment for all our customers to enjoy their experience. The Bexhill team informed the customer that for his own safety and for the comfort of other diners all customers are asked to wear footwear in the restaurant,” the statement read.
“When he refused, the customer was allowed to remain on this occasion and finish his food before leaving.”
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