Just wanted to hear some thoughts about this... Here is the story in a nutshell:
I was at the Centurion Lounge @ LAS last week and it was extremely overcrowded. Like I have done many times before I got myself a drink from the bar, and took out my kosher Sub. 2 minutes in a security officer comes over to me and says no outside food allowed, and if I want to eat my sandwich I would have to eat it outside. He says we serve food right over there, to which I responded that there are no kosher options available. He says again policy is no outside food, I said ok, but I never knew that that was the policy and there is no sign stating that, he just ignored me and walked away. Considering at this point I was 2/3 done, I just finished my sandwich. My reasoning was that he didn't bother responding to me, then I don't have to make myself too crazy. Either way he doubled back 10 seconds later to see if I listened. I was eating my last bite then. He disappeared into the back , and came back with the club manger. Manager says I gotta ask you to leave. I am like its fine I am done. He says no you violated club policy so you must leave the club now. He starts picking up my knapsack. I said lets call cardmember services, since I pay $550 a year for the privilege of coming to these clubs. Then I asked his name which he refused to give. After dialing Amex he says you need to leave to make that call, and continues to walk with my backpack to the door. I calmly responded that I didn't think he was being fair, and that I tried having a conversation with the security guy, and he just walked away. I also pointed out that if he was confident in his decision, he should have no problem giving his name, as he is just enforcing Amex policy. His response was don't make me call airport security and forcibly remove you... Having images of Dr Dao in my mind I obediently left.
Keep in mind I did not raise my voice once, and all questions were asked in a polite calm tone. I was looking for clarification as I honestly had no clue that was the policy. I have eaten many sandwiches in clubs around the world, and was never told anything. In a perfect world should I have stopped eating the sandwich? Yes, however IMO these guys were on a major power trip, trying to empty an overflowing club. What do you guys think?