Hershey apologizes after uniformed officer asked to leave Chocolate World

By Joanna Putman

Police1

YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A uniformed officer was asked to leave Hershey’s Chocolate World when he went to buy candy for a parade, according to a York Daily Record report.

The York County Fraternal Order of Police lodge said in a Facebook post on Oct. 17 that when the officer went to purchase the candy, he was approached by a manager and asked to leave on the basis that he did not have pre-arranged permission to be there.

“Apparently police officers on duty and in full uniform are only allowed on Hershey property if invited. Who knew,” the FOP post stated.

A representative from Hershey later contacted the department and called the incident a “miscommunication,” according to the report.

“We welcome our local police departments, and our goal is that anyone who visits Hershey’s Chocolate World has a great experience,” Hershey Communications Director Todd Kohr told the York Daily Record. “We have reached out directly to the police department and had a very positive conversation.”

France Paskey, a law firm that represents law enforcement, also issued an update on the situation via Facebook.

“We are very happy to report that a representative from Hershey contacted our officer, apologized for the mistake and clarified that police officers are always welcome.  We appreciate the effort of all involved…and appreciate Hershey for amicably resolving the matter,” the post read.