A downtown coffee shop has cancelled plans to host the next instalment of Hamilton Police Service's Coffee with a Cop program over concerns raised by customers and staff.

Mulberry Coffeehouse on James Street North was scheduled to hold the event May 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. but the coffee shop posted a Facebook message May 3 announcing it was cancelled.

"Mulberry wants to continue to be a safe space," the post states. "We know that this takes work and we are still learning. Thank you for calling us in and holding us accountable for our actions."

It's believed concerns were raised that some people might feel uncomfortable in the presence of a police officer.

In a statement to the Spectator sent by email, Ella Shepherd, Mulberry's managing partner, said the decision to cancel came after "threats of picketing and protesting at the event."

"Mulberry has always worked toward creating an inclusive space in which all members of the community are welcome," Shepherd stated.

"We wanted to avoid exposing our customers and staff to potential danger and did not intend to alienate anyone," she added.

Coffee with a Cop is a loosely-scheduled initiative launched earlier this year where people are invited to sit with a police officer and ask questions or share concerns over a cup of coffee. Dates and locations are sent out via Hamilton police social media accounts a couple of weeks in advance.

Two instalments were held at Tim Hortons locations and one at a McDonald's restaurant. This was to be the fourth instalment and the first at an independent coffee shop.

Hamilton deputy chief Frank Bergen said the police service respects Mulberry's decision. He said Hamilton police intend to continue with the program and even expand it.

"I strongly believe the program has merit," said Bergen, "and I do strongly believe that having an opportunity to speak to people where they are is worthwhile."

Mulberry's post announcing the cancellation of Coffee with a Cop has attracted more than 350 comments on Facebook and more than 130 on Reddit.

Sarah O'Sullivan, who was born and raised in Hamilton but now attends the University of Toronto, supports Mulberry's decision to cancel the event.

She said it's not the individual police officers that are the problem, it's the system they represent and the fact that some people are "deeply uncomfortable" being in the presence of police.

"I like how Mulberry is recognizing there are people who feel quite uncomfortable and unsettled by a police presence," said O'Sullivan.

"The event is the issue," she added.

But a number of other commenters expressed disappointment and anger at Mulberry's decision to cancel the event, some vowing to take their business elsewhere.

Some pointed out the coffee shop is close to the Central police station and across the street from the armoury so it's common to see police officers and military members in uniform frequenting the store.

"Sad to know that a great establishment like Mulberry would be influenced by those who seek to promote division and conflict instead of constructive dialogue and civility," said one commenter.

"Thank you for creating a bigger wall between the police and community," said another. "That is sad. You just missed a great opportunity."

sbuist@thespec.com

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