'Exclusively for white people' stickers appear on Austin businesses

AUSTIN, Texas, March 19 (UPI) -- The mayor and city manager of the Texas capital said they were outraged to learn someone has been putting "exclusively for white people" stickers on businesses.

The stickers, which authorities said were placed on several Austin businesses prior to 7 a.m. Wednesday, labeled the businesses as "exclusively for white people" with a "maximum of five colored customers" allowed.

"Colored BOH [back of house] staff accepted," read the text on the stickers, which also bore the City of Austin logo and small print claiming they were "sponsored by the City of Austin Contemporary Partition and Restoration Program," a government group that does not exist.

The targeted businesses, which city officials said were not responsible for the stickers, included the Rare Trends clothing store, El Chilito Tacos y Cafe, Windmill Bicycles and Sugar Mama's Bakeshop.

"This is an appalling and offensive display of ignorance in our city," Mayor Steve Adler said in a statement. "Our city is a place where respect for all people is a part of our spirit and soul. We will keep it that way."

The Austin Police Department and Public Assembly Code Enforcement are investigating the stickers, officials said.

"This is an affront to who we are as a city and who we are as a community. This type of cowardly and hateful act will not be tolerated in this city," City Manager Marc Ott said.