CONCORD — On Sunday, the opening of a new boba tea shop in Concord, advertised on social media, raised fears about the size of the expected crowd. So, instead of the city being happy about the opening of a new small business, the store’s owner said he was threatened by police for inviting car enthusiasts to join the festivities.
It was opening day for the Milk Tea Lab on Clayton Road in Concord and, as a first-time business owner, Iyanni Muniz knew he had to do something to get the word out.
“We’re not a huge corporation so, in order for us to get our name and ourselves out there, we have to advertise,” he said. “Now, with today’s technology, social media is key. It’s crucial and I have a bunch of buddies that I network with and they spread the word.”
One of his buddies posted a public invitation on a TikTok site called “Bay Area Car Meets,” calling on car owners to support the opening. But it caught the attention of Concord police and Muniz said a lieutenant threatened him with fines and ticketing if he tried to hold an “unpermitted event.”