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A lot of things can get someone kicked out of a restaurant. It might be because a table got too rowdy, someone caused a scene, or there was an issue with the bill – the typical things you’d expect. However, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, a mother of three claims she was told to leave a restaurant because she had chosen to breastfeed her infant at her table.
According to the woman’s video uploaded on TikTok, an employee at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, who is also believed to be the owner, allegedly told her she was not allowed to breastfeed her baby inside the establishment. Feeling “overwhelmed” and unable to advocate for herself at that moment, the mom simply asked him, “You don’t allow women to breastfeed in here?” The man appeared to be irritated with her question and he replied sharply that she couldn’t sit “right next to a table” and breastfeed. He then lifted his hand in a dismissive gesture, waving her off while saying, “Get on out of here and ease on down,” before walking away from her.
Her Video Gains Traction Online
In the caption of her TikTok post, the mom wrote that breastfeeding is neither “illegal” nor “inappropriate” and she couldn’t believe that she was kicked out of the establishment for it. She said that even though she could not stand up for herself as strongly as she normally would have in that situation, she still wanted to raise awareness so that other moms would not feel alone or shamed for feeding their babies in public. As of now, the video of her brief interaction with the employee has received more than 900,000 views and over 49,000 likes, with many viewers shocked that she was spoken to that way despite breastfeeding being protected under Georgia law.
What Netizens Are Saying About the Breastfeeding Incident at the Georgia Restaurant
When the video spread online, thousands of commenters weighed in with their own reactions, some criticizing the mother while others defended her right to breastfeed openly.
A few people argued that they personally felt uncomfortable seeing a mom breastfeed near their table. One person said, “He’s right tho. I would feel uncomfortable if I see someone feeding. It’s okay it’s natural yes but also my meal. When u are in public think about others not just u [sic].” A second wrote, “I fully understand y’all’s rights to breastfeed anywhere, but y’all also gotta understand peoples rights to be uncomfortable with that.” Someone else added, “I don’t believe it should be done around people.”
Others believed breastfeeding was acceptable only under certain conditions. As one commenter put it, “If you had a cover you’re totally fine. If all you did was lift your shirt, then yes, go sit in the car. Common courtesy.” Another suggested checking with the restaurant first. “How about asking the venue if it’s okay first, or if they have facilities for it and also not assume everyone eating is comfortable with it,” they said.
But many strongly defended the mother and criticized the restaurant. One user remarked, “I swear this country hates to see children fed.” Another questioned the judgment, writing, “Why do people act like it’s dirty or something?” A different comment read, “PEOPLE are weird. It’s illegal to deny a mother nursing her child ANYWHERE.”
