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Shoes in Restaurants

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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
Here is an email I just sent to the director of food services for my campus. What do you think? I hate putting on shoes - time to invest in slippers I guess. (This is in the building where I live so I didn't have to go outside)


Hi,

My name is Owen, and I was wondering if you could help me with a few questions regarding footwear in on campus restaurants.

Earlier I had gone barefoot to the Mountain Hall cafeteria and was told I had to leave because of a health code violation.
I was wondering if you could help me in locating the health code document or policy that states this?

I know it is common knowledge; 'no shirt, no shoes, no service' but recently I have become curious as the reasoning behind this, and even read that in some cases it is actually not a regulation. Surely shoes are less clean than feet as they are exposed to and harbour bacteria all day by nature of the surfaces they contact and how infrequently they are washed, whereas feet are washed regularly and don't come into contact with as many surfaces. Today I went to the same cafeteria and was told it was for safety reasons: if I cut my foot on glass, blood, which can carry diseases would get on food surfaces. However, it would seem to me that safety in most cases is a personal choice. People cut themselves in restaurants all the time on their hands, and yet this danger is not forcibly mitigated through gloves etc. It seems to me that throughout time and the evolution of a society with a large disparity of class levels (poor vs rich etc) this policy may have evolved to keep the poor out of restaurants and other places where the upper class did not want to associate.

Honestly I don't like putting on shoes and value my personal freedom when it seems reasonable. I would like some justification or proof of these decisions as I found the confrontations I had with staff at the cafeteria to be less than satisfying and informative.

Thank you so much for your time and considering my words! I love the cafeterias and the staff aside from my problems in this area!

Owen

tldr: don't wear shoes to a restaurant in my building, they tell me to gtfo, I disagree.
Dec 2 2012 11:29PM
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meth_man
Posts: 530 - Karma: 1,510
i like to wear shoes

Dec 2 2012 11:31PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
you dirty fucking hippy.

put some fucking shoes on so i dont have to look at your gross as shit feet.

you seriously find it difficult to slide flip flops on? god damn you are such a piece of shit freshman college KID.
Dec 2 2012 11:35PM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2492 - Karma: 509
No shirt. No Shoes. No Service.

they dont mention pants tho....
Dec 2 2012 11:41PM
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K-Dot.
Posts: 3739 - Karma: 7,737
Well you obviously aren't pussyfootin' around with this
Dec 2 2012 11:45PM
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based
Posts: 200 - Karma: 243
are you kidding me man, i would never walk around a cafeteria without shoes
Dec 2 2012 11:52PM
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baaangthat
Posts: 2245 - Karma: 2,587
if you send that you deserve to be kicked out of school. be a human being and put on some fucking shoes.
Dec 2 2012 11:53PM
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bigbromskier
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 330
I'm guessing this is the cafeteria by your dorm. Look at the people eating around you; notice the range and diversity of said population. How many of then do you think showered that morning? In the last week? There is almost certainly always someone else that has worse hygiene than yourself, unless your that dude.

Also, people with shoes on walked in from outside and who knows what they stepped in: motor oil, sidewalk salt, dog shit, glass shards. wear crocs of something its not a big hassle.
Dec 2 2012 11:54PM
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corona
Posts: 12795 - Karma: 32,751
classy guy right here
Dec 2 2012 11:54PM
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max...
Posts: 1379 - Karma: 802
just put on shoes. i wouldn't want to see people walking around barefoot in a dining hall. shit's gross.
Dec 2 2012 11:54PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
lol, because people can't see my feet while wearing flip flops?

i'm with the OP - I hate that society dictates that I must wear shoes. i would walk barefoot all the time if I could. hell, when i went to Belize, i took my flip flops off the second I got off the plane and didn't put them back on until right before I got on the plane to leave. went to restaurants, bars, a bank, a pharmacy, and no one gave a single fuck. it was awesome. never in america though.

and feet are no worse than shoes...actually, my feet are nastier after being in shoes than they are without shoes....

OP - there is no health code that states customers must wear shoes.

"Shoes are required by health codes.
This is widely believed, but it’s another myth. Health departments regulate eateries, not their customers. The health department is concerned primarily with three things: how the restaurant stores their food, how the restaurant handles their food, and how the restaurant cooks their food. Health departments exist to protect the customer from the restaurant, not to regulate customer behavior. Health departments do not require customers to wash their hands, take a bath, brush their teeth, or wear clean clothing (or any clothing at all) in a restaurant. Nor do they require shoes."
Dec 2 2012 11:56PM
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dreadyboy
Posts: 2306 - Karma: 34
I always catch myself taking my shoes off when I'm sitting down somewhere like in class, at restaurants etc. It's so much nicer letting my feet breath, but I put my shoes on because people would think I'm weird. I should really just not give a fuck
Dec 2 2012 11:57PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4543 - Karma: 19,132
Seriously? Millions of worthy causes in the world and you decide to make this the cause that you invest yourself in? Just because you finally are in college does not automatically give you the right to challenge every confine of society. I refer you to South Park Season 9 Episode 2: Die Hippie, Die. You seem to fit the mold of the "College Know-It-All Hippie."
Dec 2 2012 11:58PM
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Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
the smell reasons are kindof lame considering flip flops are hardly different.
the if-you-cut-your-foot reason is pretty good.
but when it comes down to it, its in the best interest of the restaurant owner to say you need shoes, because otherwise people will get grossed out. so really you should argue to the people in general (good luck).
maybe if you lived in Miami, but otherwise naaah B
Dec 3 2012 12:00AM
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fujarome
Posts: 8630 - Karma: 1,561
Might not be a legitimate health code violation, but they can still set their own rules. Congratulations on being that kid everyone else thinks is weird though.

I dont see the problem actually, because if you're barefoot in the cafeteria, you're probably eating alone anyway
Dec 3 2012 12:01AM
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ski.cats
Posts: 577 - Karma: 352
corporations man
Dec 3 2012 12:06AM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,176
Quit bitching lazy ass. Bend over and put on your damn shoes.
Dec 3 2012 12:06AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
Thanks for the input, I have some responses in order of argument posted

You are a dirty hippie: yeah I get that shit a lot, I look the part too, long hair, mustache. I would argue that writing off my desires and ideas because of that is stupid, and some form of classism.

Smell/bacteria: Like Spinzoa said, flip flops don't change anything, and shoes collect foot smell like it's literally there job. Hell, sometimes I don't wear shoes because they smell like... shoes. Whereas my bare feet, when not clogged in sweat collecting fabric bucket, smell pretty dece. Same for bacteria.

Blood, shutting down restaurant if accident: I don't know about you but I think restaurants generally try not to have sharp shit on the floor that will cause massive blood loss and if they can't manage this maybe they should hire someone. You cut yourself on a knife in a restaurant; do they sound the alarm and close it while they bleach everything? No. Safety is generally a personal choice with some exceptions where it can save your life and stop your death from impacting your loved ones.

There are more worthy causes, bigger issues, and you think you should challenge everything: Yeah there are bigger causes. There are bigger causes than animal shelters, but shelters get millions of dollars. There isn't one cause that should be helped over another, that's an opinion. I also think we should challenge everything we see as wrong, especially for me in this case when I completely disagree black and white. I would say the majority of bullshit we put up with in life is petty and easier to ignore, but that's not how we get rid of it eh?

Interest of restaurant: I agree, they probably don't want to freak customers out and they have the right to dictate who they let in, but I am not arguing whether they have the right, I am arguing whether they should exercise it/is it appropriate.

It's gross: I actually just don't care, people can deal with a random, non-sexual part of my body like people have to deal with haircuts and armpit hair and low cut shirts that they don't like on others.

what else NS, still disagree?


Dec 3 2012 1:00AM
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RedEyeTheJedi
Posts: 443 - Karma: 30
Haha reminds me of the time I went to the mall to game stop with no shoes since I for got to put them on. They didn't mind though.
Dec 3 2012 1:00AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51644 - Karma: 162,264
Kill everyone at your school, and then do whatever the fuck you want
Dec 3 2012 1:03AM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37390 - Karma: 120,139
Free love maaaan like shoes are liike totaallly restricting maaan. Theyre just like another way the government is like making you give into the system.



Put some shoes on you fucking hippie. I don't care if its comfy. I dot want hep C because your lazy ass decided not to wear Shoes to an eating establishment.
Dec 3 2012 1:09AM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4805 - Karma: -651
I think it just looks weird. Point being it looks like wearing shorts on the coldest day of the winter and peeps being like wtf. Flip flops are the same shit as barefoot its no better you are correct (fuckin dirty hippies are the dudes who think a pair of flip flops can be worn anywhere like a bar and are the same shit as wearing shoes) so I am with you than that.

My line of thinking is if its not chill to go shirtless you should wear shoes. You can transfer somewhere on the beach if you want since it sounds like its too warm to ski at your college if your rockin up barefoot everywhere. Go to UNCW or something.
Dec 3 2012 1:11AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
True, I guess it depends on how far personal freedoms go. I mean people are allowed to have greasy hair and be sweaty and wear short shorts with hairy man legs, I guess I see shoes fitting in to the same category of personal choice even if others may not like it.
Dec 3 2012 1:13AM
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Pee_and_Ski
Posts: 1869 - Karma: 57
How did you think that was ok?

There are bigger issues than your personal freedom. Your feet might be clean but then they have to let everyone do it.
There are a ton of safety hazards. But screw health and safety most importantly no one wants to look at your nasty feet when there eating.


Dec 3 2012 1:13AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
are there? I think most of the humanist issues in the world involve personal freedom. Maybe you mean that I have more freedom than others and therefore should shut up and take it? Doesn't really make sense to me.
Dec 3 2012 1:16AM
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Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
if only because the word hippy is common to both. anything is an excuse for this video



Dec 3 2012 1:17AM
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shibby
Posts: 7088 - Karma: -19
this. hprobably has the nastiest dreads and rocks a drug rug everyday
Dec 3 2012 1:18AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
to help dispel any notions of me being a dirty hippie here is a picture of me circa 2010 back when I had business man dreads (they are gone don't worry)

Click for larger image
Dec 3 2012 1:24AM
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Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
nice bulge
Dec 3 2012 1:26AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
jesus fucking christ. come the fuck on now. get real. you can't honestly tell me that you look at anyone's fucking feet while you're eating. seriously. and if you do, that's even more weird than people are calling OP.
Dec 3 2012 1:33AM
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El_Barto.
Posts: 11661 - Karma: 24,354
im not surprised you dont wear shoes. You always post the gayest feminist shit. I hope you walk through bark dust
Dec 3 2012 1:49AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
Click for larger image
Dec 3 2012 1:54AM
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Stickity
Posts: 7750 - Karma: 769
OP is a gay dirty hippy with a foot fetish. i bet he injects marijuana too.
Dec 3 2012 1:59AM
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Bart.Man
Posts: 1742 - Karma: 1,952
....probably because you're wearing shoes most of the time. I'm all for barefootin it, but if nothing else for the sake of other people trying to eat, cover your feet.
Dec 3 2012 2:02AM
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Parrish
Posts: 8695 - Karma: 1,008
Another option would be those Finger Shoe things, I don't know what exactly they are called.

Click for larger image
Dec 3 2012 2:28AM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37390 - Karma: 120,139
At least have some decency and wear these. You still look like a dirty fucking hippie but no one has to gag at your disgusting toe jam.
Dec 3 2012 8:32AM
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ski_ENDUB
Posts: 2535 - Karma: 86
given the fact he doesn't like to wear shoes, I'm guessing he is that dude
Dec 3 2012 9:16AM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
Bahaha just put on some shoes man. Just wait for your email cause he will send you the health code that you're violating by not wearing shoes.
Dec 3 2012 9:29AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT PEOPLE'S FEET WHEN YOU EAT????!!!??!
Dec 3 2012 9:32AM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 3,909
You are a dirty fucking hippie. Put shoes on dumbass.
Dec 3 2012 9:52AM
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accualyisdolan
Posts: 3295 - Karma: -192
Pretty much
Dec 3 2012 9:57AM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
Alright y'all here is the response email:

"We do not allow bare feet in Hospitality Service's locations for strictly a liability reason. Our areas have glass and sharp objects that could severely injure someone in bare feet. If a customer is hurt the responsibility would rest with the university."

So it's not for health code reasons - unless that falls under that category. I think it sucks that the university would be responsible for someones personal choices, seems a little much.

lol at how mad some of you are
Dec 3 2012 11:30AM
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Pee_and_Ski
Posts: 1869 - Karma: 57
how about your health and safety, and the health and safety of others? in any kitchen there are many ways to get severely hurt. there are glass plates that break,cups that break, sneeze guards that shatter,knives and  hot stuff.

You break a plate you have no shoes on, step on glass, and slice your foot open.Now there is a puddle of blood on the floor.That is a health hazard to everyone. But threes more, the floors of kitchens and cafeterias are gross and covered in bacteria. You get a lovely infection, not only do you have to go to the hospital, but the food service company has cover the cost you your hospital visit.

so in short yes you should shut up and take it. you do not know what you are talking about. college food service providers are not idiots everything they do has a reason. they are looking out for you and for their own bottom line.

 
Dec 3 2012 1:04PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
yeah, shoes have traction, it's easier to slip with bare feet if liquid or something is on the floor.  Of course they'd be liable-- you've never heard of people slipping and falling and then suing a store?
Dec 3 2012 1:12PM
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Spinoza
Posts: 12763 - Karma: 3,846
Things like that don't happen in Canada
Dec 3 2012 1:15PM
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DsMoK3
Posts: 467 - Karma: 198
yeah, who really gives a fuck? "its gross" isn't really an argument at all, it just makes you sound like a little bitch and there is little physical difference between someone who's barefoot and who is wearing flip flops. I think its gross when fat bitches wear clothes that are too tight, but does that mean they aren't allowed to wear those clothes? no, anyone saying its gross should gtfo
Dec 3 2012 1:18PM
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Pee_and_Ski
Posts: 1869 - Karma: 57
not a terrible idea, weight restrictions for yoga pants and skimpy cloths......

there are actually a lot of restaurants with dress codes
Dec 3 2012 1:30PM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
terrible idea
Dec 3 2012 1:31PM
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Pee_and_Ski
Posts: 1869 - Karma: 57
no, we should all be required to wear bio hazard suites, humans are gross
Dec 3 2012 1:42PM
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*steeze_is_good
Posts: 2886 - Karma: 721
Do you go to guelph?
Dec 3 2012 1:42PM
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Puns
Posts: 2052 - Karma: 429
yeah bro! I assume that you do? I was on crutches at the begging of the year, you might have seen me. Other than that I just wear slightly weird shit, suits/vests - long hair, mustache. I can't ski but if you need help setting up urban/filming, hit me up.
Dec 3 2012 1:46PM
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