Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, churchgoers will have one less restaurant to patronize on Sundays if they are looking for a special ‘church bulletin discount.’
A couple who dined at Tokyo Japanese Restaurant in Fairhope, Ala., informed FFRF about a sign hanging in the restaurant’s door advertising a 10% discount on Sundays only to diners who bring in their church bulletin.
FFRF Staff Attorney Liz Cavell contacted restaurant manager Adam Hwang in a July 16 letter, letting him know the discount violates the Civil Rights Act. She pointed out how nonreligious customers and customers who do not attend church are denied full and equal enjoyment of the restaurant.
Cavell asked that the discount either be discontinued or made available to all, regardless of their religious or nonreligious practices.
The manager responded on July 16 that the restaurant removed the flyer advertising the discount. “We hope you understand that we not only respect all religious but also nonbelievers,” he said.