Amid Backlash, New Jersey Business Owner Removes ‘Speak English’ Sign
A New Jersey shop owner faced strong criticism after posting a sign that said, “Speak English or Pay $10 Extra.” The sign, displayed at Cutters Edge in Clifton, led to many angry calls and negative reviews, with some people even demanding the store be closed.
Locals were upset, with one Twitter user calling to “SHUT THEM DOWN FOR BEING RACIST” and another questioning if the sign was legal. On Yelp, a reviewer criticized the sign, saying, “No one should be charged just for that.”
Owner Dave Feinberg explained that the sign was meant to express his frustration after a difficult experience with a non-English speaking customer. However, he admitted it was a mistake, saying, “I should have just asked them to speak English.”
Feinberg has since removed the sign and is considering an apology. Clifton council member Rosemary Pino criticized the sign, saying it was “odd in a town that values its diversity.” She added, “Messages like this take us backwards.”
This incident highlights the strong community reaction to anything seen as racist and the challenges of fixing a damaged reputation.
I agree with him. If you can’t speak English, learn it. Why should we, the true American, learn their language!! This country has gone to hell. Americans can’t be Americans anymore. F’d up😡😡😡