I entered a store with my mom to look for some jewelry (gift) for my sister-in-law. My twon boys (4 and 2) stayed outside with my brother. After a few minutes they came inside also. The owner of the store immediately started giving us "bad" looks. and complained how my children were touching the glass displays. My son (4 yr old) walked passed a self-standing rack of clothes (looked very unstable) and full of heavy clothing. and it tipped over. I immediately apologized and started picking everything up when i noticed how the storeowner started shouting at us at how we should "control" our kids. If it were in a nicer tone, i would understand, but she was yelling, and insulted/embarrassed us in front of other shoppers. At that point i left the store. we walked passed a few stores and saw another similar store. As my mom and I (without my brother and kids) started to enter this store, the owner automatically pointed at us to "get out" and "don't you dare step in here"...
2007-09-25 18:05:13 · 8 answers · asked by May I Wish 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It became clear the owner of this store was related to the other storeowner. We argued back and forth with him, and it became ugly with some obscenities exchanged. This all happening as the entire food court and at least a dozen passersby watched, not to mention in front of my two very young children. We eventually walked away and complained to the info desk and security. Have not received any call back about the incident from the mall "supervisor". Was what this storeowner did, illegal? we were humiliated in front of dozens of people in a crowded mall. My older son is still traumatized from the incident. Should i contact a lawyer?
2007-09-25 18:10:15 · update #1
No, they can serve (or not serve) whoever they please as long as it's not based on race or other factors determined to be a civil rights violation. Not letting rowdy small children or their parents in their store is within their rights.
2007-09-25 18:19:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Store owners & managers can refuse service to members of the public for a variety of reasons.
* Unsanitary in a place that serves food
* Accompanied by children in a place that is either dangerous to them, or where they are likely to have accidents that adults might not have
* Carrying open container of food or drink that could get spilled on the merchandise
* Carrying merchandise that you purchased at another store, that on your way out they can't tell what you got there or had all along
* Wearing clothing that is of the same kind that shop lifters ues to hide what got taken by the 5 finger discount
If they refused service because of your race religion gender nationality, disability, etc., then you are protected by various civil rights laws
You went into one store,
you were then joined by your kids
there was the reasonable perception that your kids were being a nuisance of themselves
The sote manager/owner was within his rights to evict your family, and emand that you do not re-enter that store, or any other that was related to the same outfit.
2007-09-25 18:48:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
None of the facts that you have stated would give rise to a claim.
First, your list of facts shows no damages.
Second, with some exception not shown by your list of facts, store owners do retain control over the property to exclude customers who engage in unwanted activities.
Third, while most store owners would not exclude customers for the actions that you have noted, those actions do give an owner a legally acceptable justification for excluding you from the store.
The answers above are general and there may be specific laws in your jurisdiction that would support a lawsuit. If you seriously believe that you have been injured or if there are other facts not noted in your question, you should consult with a local attorney.
2007-09-25 18:15:02 · answer #3 · answered by Tmess2 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do not waste your money on a lawyer. The store owners are private business owners who allow the public into their stores (otherwise they wouldn't make any money). They do however, have the right to refuse service to anyone. They don't need a reason that you accept either. What they did is perfectly legal.
As for the screaming match in front of your kids, mommy, it sounds like you were as much to blame for that as they were.
2007-09-25 18:22:22 · answer #4 · answered by Todd S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is the merchants right to refuse service to whomever they wish. Making sure children know to keep away from the glass and walk clear of everything and everyone BEFORE entering the store is also recommended.
2007-09-25 18:20:09 · answer #5 · answered by Josh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it's up to the manager who can enter the shop or not.
Also, the rack of clothes just tipped over on it's own as your boy walked past it, he didn't touch it at all? We all know kids will grab at anything, they're inquisitive and it's what they do, and it's probably likely that the lad accidentally pulled the rack over.
2007-09-25 18:16:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
most stores have a sign we have the right to refuse service
2007-09-25 18:27:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless they refused entry on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, etc., there's not much you can do.
2007-09-25 19:16:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋