Story perspectives

DOJ probes Poetica Coffee for denying Rep. Goldman service.

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department opened a probe into Poetica Coffee for refusing service to U.S. Representative Dan Goldman over his stance on Israel.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned the shop’s conduct may violate accommodation laws, adding that Poetica Coffee deactivated its Instagram, reported death threats, and ignored media.
Goldman said the barista treated his 7-year-old daughter, let her use the restroom, and he left a tip after buying coffee.

History

Historical Context

After President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act on July 2 1964—passing the Senate 73-27 and the House 290-130—federal courts, affirmed by Heart of Atlanta Motel (1964), gave the Justice Department authority to enforce Title II’s public-accommodation ban. That authority now underpins the DOJ’s probe of Poetica Coffee for refusing service to Rep. Dan Goldman, a dispute Harmeet Dhillon cites as a test of the Act’s reach.

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Story summary

The Justice Department opened a probe into Poetica Coffee for refusing service to U.S. Representative Dan Goldman over his stance on Israel.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned the shop’s conduct may violate accommodation laws, adding that Poetica Coffee deactivated its Instagram, reported death threats, and ignored media.
Goldman said the barista treated his 7-year-old daughter, let her use the restroom, and he left a tip after buying coffee.

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