The owners of a Baltimore restaurant were forced to issue a public apology after an employee refused to allow a Black mother and her child entry because of a dress code that was not being enforced equally, according to NBC News.

Marcia Grant and her 9-year-old son tried to have a meal at Ouzo Bay when they were stopped by the manager and denied entry because of the restaurant's dress code.

In a video and photos that she shared to Facebook on Monday, a white child was seen wearing a nearly identical outfit to that of her son yet was allowed to eat at the restaurant.

"I have faced racism time and time again, but it’s hard AF, when you have to see your child (9yo) upset because he knows he’s being treated different that a white child," Grant wrote.

In the video, Grant pans the camera to the white child, proving that both boys had on sneakers, a t-shirt and shorts. Despite the similarities of their outfits, the restaurant host refused to allow Grant in or provide an explanation for why he was keeping her out.

Once the video was viewed widely across Twitter and Facebook, the owners of the restaurant, Atlas Restaurant Group, released a statement apologizing for the situation.

Today, we learned of an incredibly disturbing incident that occurred at one of our restaurants in Baltimore, Ouzo Bay. We sincerely apologize to Marcia Grant, her son & everyone impacted by this painful incident. This situation does not represent who or what Atlas stands for. pic.twitter.com/jsofGRLVw1

— Atlas Restaurant Group (@AtlasBaltimore) June 23, 2020

"This difficult situation does not represent who or what Atlas Restaurant Group stands for. While dress codes across Atlas properties are the result of ongoing input from customers, in no way are they intended to be discriminatory. That said, this past weekend’s incident at Ouzo Bay clearly serves as a moment we will learn from and create change,” the statement read.

The statement also said that from now on, all children under 12 would be allowed to wear what they want at the restaurant.

"We are sickened by this incident. We sincerely apologize to Marcia Grant, her son and everyone impacted by this painful incident," the statement added.

This is not the first time the owners have faced criticism for dress code provisions that are considered racist. The Associated Press reported that in September, another Atlas restaurant was forced to change its dress code after it initially banned “baggy clothing, sunglasses after dark and bandannas.”

According to WJZ, the manager seen in the video and another manager are "no longer with the organization."

As the story gained traction nationally, the Atlas Restaurant Group released another statement forcefully condemning what happened and offering to meet with Grant.

“We stand against all forms of racism and believe Black lives matter. NOW is the time for change. And we believe that change begins at home – with introspection and self-reflection. We are committed to listening. We are committed to engaging in open, honest dialogue about discrimination and racial inequality – with our team, colleagues, family, friends, and community," the new statement read.

"We are committed to educating ourselves, to bettering ourselves, and to creating a company culture that celebrates diversity and stands against discrimination in any form. What took place was not only disturbing, it was also eye-opening, and we are committed to learning from it and implementing real change as a result,” the statement added.

Atlas-Restaurant-Group

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week