Towson Wines and Spirits Owner Calls Black Customer Racial Slur on Camera

The owner of Towson Wines and Spirits in Towson, Maryland, was caught on camera using a racial slur against a Black customer on June 16th. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action against racism in the community.

The video, posted on social media, shows the owner, who has been identified as David Beck, using a racial slur against Shaka Pitts, a communications associate for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. Pitts had gone to the store to buy a bottle of wine, and the encounter quickly turned hostile.

In the video, Beck says, “Get out of my store, nier,” before walking away. Pitts asks, “Did you just call me a nier?” Beck responds, “Yeah, I did.”

The video has since gone viral, with many people expressing their outrage and calling for a boycott of the store. The incident has also sparked a conversation about racism in the community and the need for action to address it.

Beck has since apologized for his actions, saying he was “out of line” and “takes full responsibility” for what he said. He also said that he would be taking steps to address the issue of racism in his store.

However, many people are calling for more action to be taken. The Baltimore County NAACP has called for a boycott of the store and for Beck to be held accountable for his actions. The organization has also called for a meeting with the store’s owners to discuss ways to address racism in the community.

The incident has also brought attention to the more significant issue of racism in the wine and spirits industry. According to a 2020 report by Wine Enthusiast, Black-owned wineries make up less than 1% of all wineries in the United States. The report also found that Black wine professionals face significant barriers to entry and advancement in the industry.

In conclusion, the incident at Towson Wines and Spirits has sparked a conversation about racism in the community and the need for action to address it. While the owner has apologized for his actions, many people are calling for more action to address the more significant issue of racism in the wine and spirits industry. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address these issues, but the incident has brought them to the forefront of the conversation.