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Can A Public Business In The Uk Ask You To Leave Without Cause?
17 Answers
Perhaps a rather odd question, I'm sure.
A friend and I were discussing whether a public business, such as a supermarket, can demand that a shopper leave the premises without stating a reason?
This has stemmed from a local manager of a Waitrose in our area getting the huff over customers using shopping trolleys that belong to another supermarket inside their store. It's a community where three stores share a common car park and the trolleys end up all over the place. However, most people prefer the new lighter (and ostensibly cleaner) trolleys to the ageing, rusting, and heavy ones this particular Waitrose have. It has become such an irritant to the new (less than two months) manager that he's accosting any customer he sees who comes in with a competing company's trolley and telling them they may not use it in 'his' store.
Personally, I find this to be extremely petty, especially as many shoppers (myself included), generally visit at least one other store before finishing my shopping and emptying my purchases into my car.
My friend asserts that the manager can most certainly force anyone to leave, but most importantly, will not say why as it could cause them to end up with litigation over discrimination. There are no signs, whatsoever, that admonish consumers. It's simply the manager being on some personal quest to rid his store of offending logos of competitors.
I'd be very grateful if someone could share some legal perspective on this.
Many thanks
Ollie
A friend and I were discussing whether a public business, such as a supermarket, can demand that a shopper leave the premises without stating a reason?
This has stemmed from a local manager of a Waitrose in our area getting the huff over customers using shopping trolleys that belong to another supermarket inside their store. It's a community where three stores share a common car park and the trolleys end up all over the place. However, most people prefer the new lighter (and ostensibly cleaner) trolleys to the ageing, rusting, and heavy ones this particular Waitrose have. It has become such an irritant to the new (less than two months) manager that he's accosting any customer he sees who comes in with a competing company's trolley and telling them they may not use it in 'his' store.
Personally, I find this to be extremely petty, especially as many shoppers (myself included), generally visit at least one other store before finishing my shopping and emptying my purchases into my car.
My friend asserts that the manager can most certainly force anyone to leave, but most importantly, will not say why as it could cause them to end up with litigation over discrimination. There are no signs, whatsoever, that admonish consumers. It's simply the manager being on some personal quest to rid his store of offending logos of competitors.
I'd be very grateful if someone could share some legal perspective on this.
Many thanks
Ollie
Answers
1 to 17 of 17
yes they can. Basic tennet of retail, the management reserve the right to refuse service. They do not have to explain why or even be consistent. I can understand his annoyance.
20:05 Tue 07th Jun 2016
No legal eagle but I suspect they can ban anyone they wish from the premises. Although to do so would be very foolish as it turns away trade and sullies one's reputation. Surely the sensible thing would be to guide them to the stores trolley so they could put the items in there, and explain there is a problem using and wearing out the other companies trolley in here.
Thanks Tora and Andy and everyone else for the insightful replies. I agree, it's absolutely daft, but on the other hand it would be jolly poor judgement on the part of the manger, I think, to be so flipping pedantic....surely he ought to have better things to do than to alienate his shopper base. Personally, for the past 7 years since both Tesco and ASDA have opened shop literally within metres of one another I've felt rather sorry for the staff of the local Waitrose. Their revenue dropped exponentially. Yet, as we all know, they still have their core group of loyal shoppers.
But when my friend told me this story I was amazed to hear how frustrated the new manager is to see other trolleys in the store. To me it is about as pointless as boarding a BA flight and having your hand luggage bearing the logos of Virgin Air....
Nevertheless, thank you for the legal perspective. That is what I was most curious about as I found it difficult to imagine a publicly trading business being able to point out one specific individual and saying 'we don't want you' without cause. Either my innocence or ignorance (probably the latter), would think that in itself could possibly be prejudicial - because the merchant is saying or implying there's something about 'you' we don't like.
Crikey, it must me jolly difficult for opponents of some of our leaders if they can be ceremoniously chucked out of a business without even having to tell them that their politics stink!
Many thanks all!
Ollie+
But when my friend told me this story I was amazed to hear how frustrated the new manager is to see other trolleys in the store. To me it is about as pointless as boarding a BA flight and having your hand luggage bearing the logos of Virgin Air....
Nevertheless, thank you for the legal perspective. That is what I was most curious about as I found it difficult to imagine a publicly trading business being able to point out one specific individual and saying 'we don't want you' without cause. Either my innocence or ignorance (probably the latter), would think that in itself could possibly be prejudicial - because the merchant is saying or implying there's something about 'you' we don't like.
Crikey, it must me jolly difficult for opponents of some of our leaders if they can be ceremoniously chucked out of a business without even having to tell them that their politics stink!
Many thanks all!
Ollie+
Thanks again everyone... I suppose the new Waitrose manager is simply rather absorbed in his new role as a manager...that's all I can imagine. Personally, I find his attempts to shun customers as downright pathetic and quite picayune.
Perhaps the head office would disagree with his enthusiasm over this idea...historically, Waitrose has been one of the highest ethical companies in the UK... so we're utterly lost in what this guy is trying to prove. And I like the fact that some stores say they 'welcome' carrier bags from anywhere... I'd never even thought of that. I'm constantly using Marks or Waitrose bags in Tesco....
but then Tesco has a different perspective....what's their motto? I forget..oh yes... "we don't care, why should we, we're Tesco!"
Thank you again everyone!
Ollie+
Perhaps the head office would disagree with his enthusiasm over this idea...historically, Waitrose has been one of the highest ethical companies in the UK... so we're utterly lost in what this guy is trying to prove. And I like the fact that some stores say they 'welcome' carrier bags from anywhere... I'd never even thought of that. I'm constantly using Marks or Waitrose bags in Tesco....
but then Tesco has a different perspective....what's their motto? I forget..oh yes... "we don't care, why should we, we're Tesco!"
Thank you again everyone!
Ollie+
Ah yes...but if your trolley is black, then off with its head!
Silly old world!
Oh well...ENUFF of my whinging about rights and common sense... I'm sure I'll find better things to do today, like clipping my toe nails, rather than worrying about how Waitrose view itself and the 'trash' (trolleys) who frequent it.
Whatever your choice, don't forget to exercise your rights on the 23rd everyone!
Ollie+
Silly old world!
Oh well...ENUFF of my whinging about rights and common sense... I'm sure I'll find better things to do today, like clipping my toe nails, rather than worrying about how Waitrose view itself and the 'trash' (trolleys) who frequent it.
Whatever your choice, don't forget to exercise your rights on the 23rd everyone!
Ollie+
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