NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville police arrested four protesters associated with PETA Thursday after the group blocked access to the West End Starbucks store.
The group was angry over the higher prices for plant-based milk.
Concrete was poured over the feet of four protesters at the West End Avenue entrances to the coffee shop, blocking entry to the parking lot and drive-thru. The group linked together with caution tape, further blocking access to the store.
Police said Daniel Bifano, 46, of Michigan, intentionally placed himself in the exit lane of the business, blocking traffic. He refused to comply with repeated requests for him to leave the property. He was taken into custody at 12:30 p.m. Authorities charged Bifano with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.
Two women, Emily Slayter, 39, and Norma Hernandez, 42, both of Las Vegas, were issued misdemeanor citations for disorderly conduct. Royce Gomez, 33, of New York, who was blocking the exit with Bifano, also agreed to step out of the boots and leave the premises. He was issued a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct and trespassing.
The group, including others who were not encased in concrete, wore shirts and held signs displaying messages such as "not your mom, not your milk" and "Starbucks: End the vegan upcharge."
After about four hours, Metro police worked to free each of the protesters from the concrete.
