Have stores the right to refuse service ? What the law say about that ?

Answer 1

There is no law stating that a private business has to do business with everyone that walks in their doors. That is why many stores "ban" shoplifters that have been caught taking from them in the past (trespassing). Bars can also refuse to serve you a drink simply if they think you're too drunk (or for any other reason, for that matter). I believe that as long as they don't violate any civil right laws (discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, ethnic background, etc.), there is nothing stating they need to sell you a darn thing.

Answer 2

Stores have the right to refuse service in certain circumstances, but they are generally prohibited from doing so in an arbitrary way.

For example, if a man comes into a grocery store without wearing shoes, he may be refused service because his exposed feet are seen as a health and insurance risk. That's a reasonable restriction. If a woman is refused service because she is black, that is not allowed.

The exact rules vary depending on where the store is, and how big it is. Smaller stores are often exempt from certain laws requiring equal service.

Answer 3

I should hope so. After all stores are privately owned property. If I own a shop and I say I wont allow this type of person in my shop then that is my choice. It is my store after all. I know people might complain but hey it is mine and not theirs. Of course most people now say how can you refuse service to anyone, that's discrimination. But hey what ever happened to that idea of private property. A store is just private property after all. If any one has a problem with this they don't have to enter my store. But the Government doesn't like this attitude hence separate but equal is illegal. This issue for me has nothing to do with race or anything else except private property laws.

Answer 4

Absolutely. A merchant has the right to decide with whom he cares to contract business. However, in the case of a store front, a merchant cannot bar people from entering based upon race, color, creed or other orientation. They can bar you if they feel your appearance is distracting, unsafe, (odor) or isn't within their guidelines for appearance (no shoes, no shirt...)

They can not however, "legally" refuse to accept your offer to purchase provided you've followed normal terms and conditions of sale. In otherwords, as long as you have ability to pay, haven't been insulting, or rude, threatening, haven't tried to endlessly haggle over cost, etc.)

In which case, they have every right to ask you to leave and not return.

Answer 5

It depends on the reason they are refusing service. There are some federally protected groups, but others are open to interpretation

Answer 6

Yes the store keeper can refuse to serve you and doesnt have to give you a reason.

Answer 7

"We retain the right to refuse service to anyone", is the quote which hangs above most business doorways! It is legal.

Answer 8

Sure, if the stores policy is you have to have on a shirt and shoes. then You need to have on a shirt and shoes.

Answer 9

Yes, they are private places.

Answer 10

If they have it clearly posted, then yes, they can.