Angry Customers Could Force Closure Of Popular RI Ice Cream Shop

NARRAGANSETT, RI — A South County ice cream shop is pleading with customers for kindness and understanding after several instances of patrons not wearing masksfx and being verbally abusive to employees. The owner of Brickley's Ice Cream said the business may have to close its doors for the season for the safety of its staff.

Over the past two weeks, some customers have refused to wear masks when ordering ice cream and complained about the reduced menu, the shop's owner wrote on Facebook.

"Some of these customers are being verbally abusive to our young staff," the post said. "That is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I cannot ask our high school and college staff to police the behavior of some who choose to ignore our rules."

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Brickley's is offering a reduced number of flavors to encourage customers to make their decisions quickly and not gather in large crowds. In addition, the patio at the Wakefield location is closed. In one case, a group of customers refused to leave the patio when told to do so, telling an employee to call the police.

With the height of summer still a few weeks away, the owner said there is concern about the safety of staff and, if the abuse continues, the shop could close for the season.

"[Closing] would be the last option, but it is an option," the post continued. "I don't feel that anyone should have to tolerate this disrespectful, abusive behavior. Our staff is made up of mostly young, high school and college students. They don't deserve to be treated like this."

The owner said most of the customers who visit have been "patient and understanding," thanking them for their support.