KFC Bans Alcohol Wet Wipes Because Muslims Might Take Offense – Truth! & Now Resolved
Summary of eRumor:
Reports allege that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) banned alcohol wet wipes at some restaurants because Muslims might find them offensive.
The Truth:
A greasy-fingered customer at a KFC in Leicester, England, was denied an alcohol-based wet wipe because the franchise was running a Halal-only trial there and Islam does not allow alcohol.
The customer, Graham Nokes, told the Leicester Mercury he thought it was a practical joke. He was working on a new Muslim community center that was being constructed in the area at the time.
A KFC spokesperson told BBC News in 2010 that the fast-food chain had launched 86 Halal restaurants in the U.K. because of demand from Muslim customers. KFC also operates 32 Halal restaurants in the U.S.
A company rep told the Leicester Mercury the situation was a misunderstanding.
“Our alcohol-based hand wipes are approved for use in all our restaurants, including those who are part of our Halal trial,” the rep said. “There was a misunderstanding at the store in question, but the wipes are being used again. We’re sorry for the customer’s experience.”