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Starbucks apologizes after employee asks police officers to leave Phoenix shop

Click to play video: 'Starbucks asks group of police officers to leave after customer complaint of feeling unsafe'
Starbucks asks group of police officers to leave after customer complaint of feeling unsafe
WATCH ABOVE: Starbucks asks group of police officers to leave after customer complaint – Jul 7, 2019

Starbucks is apologizing after an employee reportedly asked six police officers to leave or change their location in one of the company’s shops in a Phoenix suburb because another customer reported feeling unsafe.

Starbucks said it has “deep respect for the Tempe Police Department” and was apologizing “for any misunderstanding or inappropriate behaviour that may have taken place” during the July 4 encounter.

The Tempe Officers Association said the officers had just bought their drinks and were standing together before their shift started when a barista made the request for a customer. The association called the request offensive and disheartening.

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Association President Rob Ferraro called it perplexing that someone would feel unsafe when officers are around.

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WATCH: Mixed reactions after Starbucks employee asks police officers in Arizona to leave

Click to play video: 'Mixed reactions after Starbucks employee asks police officers in Arizona to leave'
Mixed reactions after Starbucks employee asks police officers in Arizona to leave

The Police Department said it hoped the incident was an isolated incident.

The incident has sparked heated debate on social media. Supporters of the police have launched a #boycottstarbucks campaign on Twitter.

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