The Legal Chronicle
(The Daily Meal)
Gunfire erupted inside a Nashville Waffle House in April, claiming the lives of four people and leaving two others injured before a courageous customer was able to tackle the gunman. The tragedy has placed a spotlight on criminal activity at 24-hour diners across the country, leading The Daily Meal to ask, “Why Are So Many Crimes Committed at Waffle Houses?”
The Daily Meal investigation alleges a startling number of violent crimes at Waffle House locations, including shootings in New Albany, Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Biloxi, Mississippi. However, the violence is not limited to Waffle House. Other 24-hour diners also appear to be targets for criminal activity. Media reports reveal Junior Catilus was killed outside an IHOP in Miami Springs on June 18; Mylik Butcher was killed and a woman was injured in a Cedar Hill IHOP shooting in April; and a 21-year-old was injured outside a Hot Springs Arkansas IHOP in March.
Late night hours and proximity to major roadways frequently make 24-hour diner chains a target for criminals. So, what can be done to protect patrons and employees? Security measures may include:
- Place an off-duty officer or security personnel at the restaurant entrance and/or in the parking lot.
- Ensure parking lots are well-lit with clear sight-lines to reduce potential hiding places.
- Provide adequate staffing and violence prevention training. Implement employee safety procedures.
- Implement visible surveillance cameras at all entrances, registers and parking areas.
Victims of 24 Hour Diner Violence: Know Your Rights
Restaurant patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a restaurant owner have knowledge of prior criminal activity on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a restaurant owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
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