Chinese Restaurant In Kenya Shut Down After Refusing Black Customers

A Chinese restaurant in Kenya was shut down by the authorities amidst outrage this week after people discovered it had a shocking policy against admitting black customers.

According to Shanghaiist, the Chongqing Chinese Restaurant in Nairobi outraged local residents after news started going around social media that the restaurant would not serve black customers after 5 p.m.

The owners reportedly apologized after the news got out and residents started condemning their racist seating policy. They told reporters they started the policy of not allowing any black customers after 5 p.m. after a robbery in 2013, and because they are trying to keep out members of the Al Quaeda-affiliated Shebab militia.

"We don't admit Africans that we don't know because you never know who is Al-Shebab and who isn't," said Esther Zhao, one of the restaurant managers.

Authorities looking into the restaurant after news of the policy started circulating reportedly discovered that it had no liquor license and was operating without the required licenses and permits. The restaurant has been temporarily shut down while an investigation takes place. If it does reopen, though, Governor Evans Kidero said in a statement that the restaurant "must ensure that all customers and clients are treated with respect and dignity, irrespective of race, color, sex, tribe and religion."