I live in California and I always go to RITE AID for some shopping. I have a backpack on me most of the time but when I enter they always make me take it off and say "take it off or leave". Is this legal for them to do? I never steal anything. Is there something in the law books that says that they cant do this? I remember that a Safeway got sued for doing that to students from a High School. Can you please tell me where it says that in the law books.
THANKS
2006-12-17 07:00:11 · 14 answers · asked by poolmancool 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Techically they can't make you do anything. But the catch 22 is they have the right to refuse entrance for pretty much any reason.
So they can't make you take off your backpack, but they can keep you out for not doing so.
2006-12-17 07:16:13 · answer #1 · answered by The Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know whether it's legal or not but if it's clearly their store policy then yes because too many kids shoplift and a book bag is a perfect place to hide stolen items, there are some stores where I live that you can't even take your stroller in they make you leave it in the lobby or leave......I don't think it's fair because look at all the security devices they have now to stop shoplifters as if the security cams weren't enough they have those stupid annoying alarms that detect the stolen item (somehow) and some are even sensitive enough to go off for your credit card, cellphone etc. I say annoying because I get this alot then they go through your shopping bags and make sure everything that's in there is supposed to be by checking it with your receipt whats worse is the person checking your receipt is blind as a bat or just plain brain-dead and it takes forever and is very inconvenient
2006-12-17 07:08:52 · answer #2 · answered by *CiTsJuStMe* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A store does have the right to refuse service to anyone. If your store is located in a high theft area, then the store is not picking on you, they might be tired of people stealing. Now if you walk in with a few friends and they all havd backpacks, and they only tell "you" to remove it, they you might have legal options. It still bothers me whenever I go to WalMart and they want to see my receipt on the way out. But thats the way its getting everywhere.
2006-12-17 07:07:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The store is private property. They have the right to refuse entry to anyone. Unless the are discriminating on the basis of race, gender, etc., you either follow their rules or leave. If you are asked to leave and refuse, their can charge you with trespassing. As for someone suing them, filing a lawsuit doesn't mean you are right or can win.
2006-12-17 07:41:57 · answer #4 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Many mall stores are holding other shopping bags while you are in the store. The aim is to cut down on shoplifting. If you don't have a car to place it in, ask them to hold it at the counter so you don't have to worry about someone stealing it from you while it is outside unattended.
2006-12-17 07:07:54 · answer #5 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can.
Unfortunately your sense of righteousness is overridden by the desire to prevent crime. You live in a society of wants without the means for all to pay for those wants. Get over it and move on. Instead of moaning about your rights as a customer consider those rights of the business concerned.
2006-12-17 07:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think they have the right to provide service to whom they wish, and after 9-11 , everyone is so scared about suicide bombs , I can see the reasoning. Just ask them next time to show you a copy of their policy and procedure Manuel , to explain the request. Explain to them you have the right to know why they are requesting this action from customers.
2006-12-17 07:08:08 · answer #7 · answered by srstephens 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely legal. Not a bad idea either in today's world.
2006-12-17 07:08:20 · answer #8 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a private business. They can refuse to serve you for what ever reason they want, so long as its not based on sex, race, religion and such.
So, yes, they can.
2006-12-17 07:04:17 · answer #9 · answered by Dog Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The store has a right to refuse service to anyone. If you're going to go into their store, you have to do it on their terms.
2006-12-17 07:02:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋