Discounts while Off Duty

[Ron-Solo]

Many food places give on duty officers the equivalent of an employee discount which I don't have a problem with. Asking for a discount off duty is tacky and should not be done.

It can be very awkward..

[oddjob]

One of the local agencies had a staff meeting about this very subject. One of the LT.'s mentioned the Chief just got a great deal on a new Chev 4X4 Tahoe. Subject was dropped.

Getting a discount on a meal is a no-no.....

Getting a discount from a gun shop for buying a gun is accepted practice....

I mention the above just as food for thought.

To the OP....In your case its bad taste on behalf of the officers asking....

Could they be jealous firefighters??

[yzErnie]

That's a whole other subject!!!...nobody ever says anything about the hose draggers going into Sizzler (or any other eatery) and getting their half priced meal but they'll sure want to bash on us for it.

I just find it hypocritical that some folks bash us for a free cup of coffee at the 7-11 at 3am but would accept that same free cup if it was offered to them. Water off a ducks back.

[cacop]

One of the local agencies had a staff meeting about this very subject. One of the LT.'s mentioned the Chief just got a great deal on a new Chev 4X4 Tahoe. Subject was dropped.

Getting a discount on a meal is a no-no.....

Getting a discount from a gun shop for buying a gun is accepted practice....
I mention the above just as food for thought.

To the OP....In your case its bad taste on behalf of the officers asking....

Could they be jealous firefighters??

Good point. I assume all those here against meals or coffee for free or discount never bought a gun at a discount.

[NorCal1911Fan]

Not LEO but have a lot of friends and family that are. While I was managing a restaurant in Oakland the company didn't have a policy per say about discounts for officers. We where always more than happy to give them free cups of coffee and had no issue with them coming in to use the facilities. The Sheriffs office had/has a strict policy of not allowing there deputies to accept discounts or gratuities. With the exception of one very close friend, I can't recall any of the deputies accepting any free items while on or off duty at this establishment. The same can't be said for some of the local city cops who would come in and demand a discount. As a manager we liked having them in there on duty esp on a Friday night when the bar could get rowdy, but I could see the ethical issues of the freebies. Personally I respected those that insisted on paying their own way a who lot more. Oh and firefighters never got discounts.

[Patrick Aherne]

I am never going to embarass anyone wishing to give me a discount; I make up the difference and add it to the tip. The servers appreciate it and it helps to ensure you don't wind up with baby batter in the mayonaise. There's one place that I bring my family, off-duty, and they STILL hit the button. That's very embarassing for me. I make sure and tip extra well, but it's very awkward.

['Ike']

No, should never be asked for that's for sure...

[Jonathan Doe]

When I walk in a restaurant and buy food, I do not ask for discount. I guess some restaurants have policy for discount for LEOs and firemen. And, sometimes they give discount, but sometimes they don't. I don't argue. And, I am generous on tip.

The gunshop employees I frequent know that I am an LEO. They give me discount on guns. I never say no. But, near Christmas time, I walk in the store and give them some money so the employees can have lunch on me. I do that to my bank tellers, also. I save enough money over the year that I can afford it.

I think it is a two way street.

[Roddd]

Never ASK for a discount. They either give you one or they don't. Asking on or off duty is plain tasteless. I like the discounts, however minimal they may be, but I'd never ask for one and certainly wouldn't dream of doing it off duty.

[Hopalong]

Hose draggers? Ouch!

[ls2monaro]

My first FTO discussed this issue with me greatly. His policy was don't ask for discounts and just pay whatever they tell you the total is. If the business wants to give a discount that is on them. It works for me and asking for discounts off duty is a no no in my book. The only way I am going to ID myself off duty is preservation of my life or others.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Asking for LEO discounts either on or off duty is in really bad taste.

[bubbagump]

Been busy, but I talked to my wife about it...and this is the problem she was having...

She doesn't mind giving officers (on or off duty) discounts. She can usually recognize them while off duty. This particular incident was involving a female officer who, while off-duty, looks nothing like she does in uniform. My wife didn't recognize her and didn't offer the discount. The female officer rudely asked her for a discount.

My wifes business is pretty lax with the discounts. Forest Service, PD, Fire, EMTs, Military & sometimes even retired military (when she can spot them)...

[Gnome]

Discounts while "off duty" is tacky, and a no-no. "On duty" is a little different. I have never asked for a discount while in uniform. But many establishments make it their own policy to give uniformed LE/Fire/EMT a discount. If you think about it, it's a smart business move on their part. 1st responders are more inclined to eat at their establishment. In this case, I graciously accept, and always leave a fat tip.

My policy...

[Tacobandit]

Speaking of discounts u guys know about the Oakley employee store and the EA store right????