Overview
- Poetica Coffee posted a photo of Rep. Dan Goldman, refunded his $9.82 purchase and wrote that it does not serve “genocide enablers,” saying he should never return.
- Goldman said he visited with his 7-year-old daughter, used the restroom with the barista’s permission, bought a coffee to thank the staff and left a tip before the shop later publicized the refund.
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced Monday that the Civil Rights Division has opened a review and may bring enforcement action if the conduct violated federal public‑accommodation laws.
- Poetica deactivated its social account after widespread condemnation from Jewish community leaders, reports of threats against the shop and calls for city and state human‑rights reviews.
- Legal experts note New York and federal law bar refusing service for protected traits such as religion, race or national origin but generally do not cover political views, making the DOJ probe a test of whether the post targeted protected characteristics and what enforcement or reputational consequences follow.