A cafe
owner has put up a sign warning customers who are 'allergic to black people'
not to enter her business after becoming fed up with patrons walking out when
they see the colour of her skin. Martha-Renee Kolleh has placed the sign on the
door of the Yeanon Cafe, in Ossett, West Yorkshire, which reads 'I am a black
woman...If you are allergic to black people, don't come in. 'But, if you prefer
quality wholesome meals in a pleasant and clean environment, come in. I don't
bite!' The
single mother-of-three said she put it there because of the way some customers
have treated her. She said: 'When
they open the door, they see a black face. I put [the sign] there because of
the way people treat me in Ossett.
'Some
people find the sign amusing and they say "oh yes, it's about time you put
that up", so I think they all realise what's going on here. 'Some others
just read it and walk away. I've heard one or two swearwords as well regarding
the notice.' A spokesman for Wakefield Council said they were 'obviously
concerned' by the issue, which they had not been made aware of before. The
spokesman added: 'I would urge the business involved to get in touch with us as
soon as possible.' Ms Kolleh has run the cafe for two years, serving a mixture
of British, African and Caribbean food. She
said a lot of people in Ossett had supported her, but if business did not
improve she would have to close by autumn. 'They
just open the door of my cafe and once they take a look at me they walk out,'
she said.
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