Can I Sue?

Question

Hello,

I was in a Debenhams shop recently with my girlfriend and was asked to leave as it was a woman only shop, which I found strange as their were no signs saying such, I find this very sexist and am angry that anyone would be in a situation such as this. When I asked why it is this was and only woman are allowed in I was told, "Just Cause" which I find very insulting, it takes me back to the dark ages I now know what the ethnic minorities put up with and I feel sorry that the world is this way.

Do you think I could sue?

This is a genuine question, I need a truthful, honest answer,

Answer 1

First of all u can write to the company demanding an explanantion why u were asked to leave..Explain that there were no signs etc and let them know how u feel ..Then if u get no suitable answer ,try ure local citizens advice bureau and ask for advise..I too would find this annoying and there is a principle at stake here..It would also help if u knew the person's name who asked u to leave the store..Good luck on this one..

Answer 2

Honestly, who ever told you that you werent allowed in was a complete numpty. I work in a debenhams (not for debenhams mind) and theres no policies that say anythign about only women being allowed in womanswear. But unfortunately, White males are now the most openly discriminated class. Ethnics have positive discrimination, women have positive discrimination. White men have got a raw deal now. You see lots of woman only places, like diamond car insurance, only insure women, we've got a fitness first, that only allows women in. Now if that was turned around and diamond only insured males, and fitness first only let males in, it would be sexist and there would be a complete hoo haa about it. Thats not equality, its just discriminating the other way.
Having said that, dont think you would be able to because you are a white (im assuming, since you said you now know how the ethnics feel) male. We cant get discriminated against.

Anyway, you havent suffered any damage, so no you cant sue, because as far as i know sexual discrimination isnt actionable per se. But by god make a formal complaint to the store, they'll most probably offer you something to try and smooth it over

Answer 3

A person with either Knowledge of or werewithall to hire an attorney can sue anybody in a court of law. The Goverment is exemtp from such actions cause they claim Immenent Front or something really legalish sounding.
But since it didnt happen on a Military Base, yes you can sue anybody for anything. Winning is a matter of perspective.

Answer 4

Did you wear the correct dress code. Im not even sure if debenham has a dress code. That's the only reason Debenhams might ask you to leave . At any rate complain to the manager, you might get apology and some shopping vouchers.

Answer 5

Debenhams is not a "woman only" shop. Unless there's more than one dept store using that name.

In any event, you can sue if you want. Maybe you will even find other men they denied service too and then it's a class action lawsuit, worth BIG bucks.

Question is, is this worth the hassle?

Answer 6

Why suggest you know how ethnic minorities feel. No they cannot stop you going in there are no women only Debenhams. Ring the store and ask to speak with the manager.

Answer 7

I doubt that you could sue because you have not lost anything. You may be able to report the shop for discrimination. However, there is also the issue that a shop is private property and I have a feeling that they are not legally obliged to let anybody in although this is bad for business!

Answer 8

I would talk to the manager of the store or even get the number of the corporate office. I would complain. Usually a company will compensate you in some way. Why bother to sue? It would be another frivilous lawsuit to clog up our courtrooms and judges time. If you talk with the corporation make sure that you have your facts straight. Usually they will give a gift card or something. Good Luck.

Answer 9

You probably really could sue for discrimination but if the have an at will policy (the right to not service someone for any reason they chose or to not allow them in their business)! Although I might add you may have to provide witnesses because right now it's word against word! Also you would have to find a clause or something in their customer!

Answer 10

Seeing how this is a genuine question and you are looking for the best truthful, honest, and most likely expert opinion, I would suggest going over your incident with a Lawyer, they can tell you if you have any legal grounds to sue. Good Luck