The Cake Isn’t A Lie But The Officer Is
We have a policy in the bakery that police, firefighters, EMTs, etc. get their first item free. So if a cop comes in for a slice of pie and a drip coffee, we’ll charge him a buck for the coffee and get the pie for free, or if a paramedic comes in and wants half a dozen donuts, we’ll only charge him for five, whatever.
You have to have proof. Most people take advantage when they’re on the clock/just got off, so we don’t even bother asking them because uniforms, but everyone has some sort of ID that they can flash when they’re not, so it’s a non-issue.
One day we have a cop come through, full uniform, and we give him a slice of cake and a latte. He’s one of our regulars, so I talk to him for a bit, he asks after my business partner, I ask about what his shifts have been like, the usual.
He goes to sit down, and this couple asks:
Customers: “How come he got only got charged $3?”
I tell them our policy.
Customers: “Oh, well I’m a cop and he is a detective in [Small City In Our State].”
Me: “That’s cool, but we only have the policy open to people who work in our city and the surrounding areas.”
Customers: “Oh my God! That’s so unfair! We put our lives on the line just the same as any other cop! Where’s your manager?”
Me: “I am the owner.”
Customers: “No way you’re the owner! You’re lying!”
As this has got loud, my cop buddy stands up and comes over to speak to this couple.
Officer: “Can I see your badges?”
They both sputter about it for a minute or two, making excuses.
Officer: *Firmly.* “Can I see your badges?”
Customers: “We… left them at home.”
Officer: “Can I see any ID proving that you are who you say you are?”
Customers: “You don’t have the right to ask us that?!”
Officer: *Looks at me.* “They’re lying about who they say they are; don’t serve them.”
Customers: “Fine, we’ll pay regular price. Stupid discount anyway!”
Officer: “Not as stupid as lying about being a police officer in front of a police officer.”
They suddenly go pale and leave. The officer takes a photo of them and their car on his phone.
Me: “Isn’t what they did a felony?”
Officer: “Yup.”
Me: “Aren’t you going to arrest them?”
Officer: “And delay my cake?!”
My officer buddy did call those customers in on his radio as he sat down for cake, and informed me that they would be dealt with.
