Dairy Queen removes message about drug sales in parking lot

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An anti-drug message posted at a Dairy Queen on the northwest side was removed Friday after corporate executives told restaurant employees to take it off the sign.

Usually reserved for promoting deals for Blizzards and burgers, the sign at the Dairy Queen at West 71st Street and Michigan Road read a bit different for about 24 hours.

“Parking lot – not for drug sales,” the sign read, with a “thank you” at the bottom.

“PARKING LOT NOT FOR DRUG SALES” – Here’s a sign you never want to see in front of a Dairy Queen. Hopefully everything will calm down for the 71st & Michigan Rd restaurant here in Indianapolis. #NewsTracker #Daybreak8 @WISH_TV pic.twitter.com/nL3gnFS8vg — Kevin Ratermann (@Kevin_Ratermann) December 13, 2019

Employees with Dairy Queen say the sign was posted around 3 p.m. Thursday.

News 8 talked to employees. None would go on camera but said the parking lot has become a cesspool for drug use. Employees say have found needles in the parking lot and have dealt with multiple drug overdoses.

News 8 found everything from empty cigarettes and alcohol containers to blunt wraps and what appears to be drug paraphernalia in the parking lot Friday.

“You need more signs like that around everywhere,” said Indianapolis resident Lamonta Ray.

Some people News 8 talked with said the drug use doesn’t surprise them and the sign is a stark reminder that it needs to stay out of this area.

Indianapolis resident Violette Hanalla said, “When the person with the drugs see’s this (sign) he will move. Because maybe will see police or somebody here. He will see the sign and move.”

Dorothy Mosley said, “God knows that we need that help and, unless they want to accept it or seek it, it’s going to be hard to change it because it’s been going on so long.”

As for the sign itself, people who saw it say a business as big as Dairy Queen taking a stand sent an unmistakable message to the entire neighborhood.

Ray said,” For the people that is observant and paying attention, it’s very powerful. Hopefully it keeps people off the premises and out of the area, and keep the area clean.”

The new sign posted Friday evening read “We love you Indy, thank you.”