Should Businesses Be Able to Turn Away Customers Who Smell Like Pot?
It's a legitimate question: Should businesses be allowed to refuse service to customers who smell like they've been smoking marijuana? It can be sticky, especially in states like Michigan, where voters have chosen to approve the recreational use of marijuana. (I took a considerable amount of s**t in 2018 when I shared my decision to vote against the measure.)
Since the use of recreational marijuana in Michigan has become legal, you've probably noticed the unmistakable smell of pot practically everywhere you go. It hits me like a ton of bricks in small spaces like my doctor's waiting room and even in large open areas like grocery stores. I was especially bothered by it the other day when I was in a parking lot and a family of four exited their vehicle. The kids who climbed out of the backseat were probably less than 10 and the overwhelming smell of weed poured from the vehicle. Really? You're getting baked in your car with the kids in the backseat?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude. I probably smoked more than my fair share of pot when I was in my 20s and before it was legal to do so. But I always thought that discretion was in order. (And maybe that was driven by the fact that weed was illegal at that time.)
A Detroit area business is putting its foot down. The Caucus Club is making it clear on its Facebook page, saying that they won't admit patrons who smell like weed.
Seriously people, hoodies and jerseys are not business attire. Neither are ball caps and sneakers. Most importantly, if you smell like marijuana don’t even think of stepping inside the Caucus Club.
The majority of commenters who weigh in are supportive of the restaurant's stance on the matter.
But what do you think? Should restaurants be able to refuse service to people who smell like pot? How about tobacco? Body order? Feel free to weigh in below.