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Bar patron says bouncer told her and friends to stand up during national anthem

A bar patron said she and her friends were told to stand up at an Auburn bar when the national anthem was played.

Michele Johnson told KIRO Radio's Gee Scott the incident happened last weekend when she went out with her friends to Bourbon Jack's in Auburn.

"We went in there, we got a couple drinks and then we went over to a table next to the dart board," Johnson said. "Shortly after, the DJ gets up and says something on the mic, and then they turn off the lights, and they start playing the national Anthem. Within a couple seconds, the bouncer comes up to our group and very aggressively says ‘Hey you need to stand up and you need to take off your hat,’ to my two friends."

Johnson told Scott they were shocked and felt uncomfortable.

Moments later, Johnson and her friends finished their drinks and left the bar.

Johnson posted on Facebook about the incident and Bourbon Jack's wrote this response:

"Michele we apologize if it made you uncomfortable, that is not our intentions. Here at Bourbon Jacks we support and honor The United States of America, our troops, and law enforcement. We love the Country we live in and Country music and it is a tradition that goes back many years to kick the night off with the National Anthem every Friday and Saturday night. We hope you will give us another chance someday. Have a great night!"

KIRO Radio reports that Bourbon Jack's later added in the response it has spoken to the staff member who asked Johnson and her friends to stand.

Johnson told KIRO 7's Jessica Oh many of her family members are veterans, including her father.

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