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Man banned from Facebook for post about hatred of peas

11:20, 17 January 2022

updated: 11:22, 17 January 2022

A TV cocktail expert who took to Facebook to share his contempt for peas was barred from posting on the social media site for nearly a week.

Callum Oakley says he lost thousands of pounds in income after the bizarre ban restricted the use of both his business and personal accounts.

Callum Oakley had his accounts restricted on Facebook over a post about hating peas. Photo: Tom Bishop Photography
Callum Oakley had his accounts restricted on Facebook over a post about hating peas. Photo: Tom Bishop Photography

The 'offending' post by Mr Oakley, from Cheriton, Folkestone, was initially shared a year ago on the site, and read: "Unpopular opinion - peas of all forms should be illegal."

Having popped up on his memories last week, he re-shared the post, adding: "Collect them all and set them on fire."

Not long after, he was sent a notification from Facebook saying that his movements on his account would be restricted for 30 days.

It meant he wouldn't be able to share anything on his business page either, Misused Cocktails, which he runs his mobile bar from.

Mr Oakley, 28, said: "Apparently the post incited hatred.

The offending post. Photo: Callum Oakley
The offending post. Photo: Callum Oakley

"I run a mobile bar business and it meant I couldn't advertise and share details about the bar.

"I had just come off another 30 day ban over Christmas, which I have no idea what was for.

"All together, from both the bans, I'd say we lost around £40,000 in income.

"For example, two Christmas' ago, we sold 1,000 bottles of cocktail at £20 each, and we couldn't do any of that this year because of the ban.

"I feel like I've been targeted."

Mr Oakley has appeared on The Craft Store to demonstrate making cocktails
Mr Oakley has appeared on The Craft Store to demonstrate making cocktails

Mr Oakley set up Misused Cocktails three years ago, and as well as providing a mobile bar for weddings and other events, he also helps train staff, design menus and sells bottle to glass cocktails.

He also runs second business, The Cocktail Group, and has appeared on The Craft Store channel, where he demonstrates how to make cocktails and sells bar supplies.

He said: "I started working in and around bars in Folkestone and loved the industry. But eventually wanted to do my own thing.

"I did some courses and studied mixology. We now have 12 members of staff."

His recent ban was eventually shortened to six days by Facebook, which recently re-branded as Meta, instead of the intended 30 days.

Mr Oakley with fiance Emma and children Rupert and Evelyn
Mr Oakley with fiance Emma and children Rupert and Evelyn

Although he likes other vegetables, Mr Oakley, who shares two children with fiance Emma, says he simply doesn't like peas.

A Meta spokesman said: "The post was removed in error and has now been restored."

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