Is it legal to allow only two school-aged children into a store at a time?

Question

I live in an area where many kids shoplift and near every convenience store/gas station limits the number of children into a store at one time. I understand not allowing backpacks into a store for obvious reasons but I see this as a kind of discrimination. Not every school-aged person steals and i'm sick of being told I am not allowed in when there are two people I don't even know in a store/gas station. I have never stolen and this just irks me that they do this. I feel that the only way they should be allowed to not let someone in is if they have been caught stealing or something of the sort. I also understand private property rights but there is no reason to disallow entry because not everyone is a threat to their store.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Every business has a right to refuse service to anyone.  You shouldn't get offended since their fears of shoplifting does not apply to you.  It sucks that things have become that way these days but the economy is getting worse and the shoplifters are a major part of retailer's high prices.  The rest of us have to pay for what they've stolen in other words.  If the store is doing this, it might just help you keep your cost down.  I have never seen the limit of school aged kids in the store before so I'm guessing it's so they can keep track of them easier if there aren't so many.  I have seen many teenagers steal on up to adults.  These people ruin it for everybody else and will unfortunately never go away but can be avoided little by little.

Barefootin! · Answer

I get how you are feeling. I was a young mother and everyone felt the need to give me advise and people just assume you are a bad parent just because you are 17. Not all 17 year olds are bad parents and not all 15 year olds shop lift. UGH!!!!!!!!! I know many parents who are bad parents and are older and I know adults shop lift. I think it is unfair to do this but it is legal. Try contacting a local news station and get them some bad publicity for discrimination. If they only allowed 2 people of a certain race in at a time or a certain gender, or a certain faith they would be making a much bigger deal out of it. Age discrimination is not any better then any other kind just much more socially accepted.

momof3boys · Answer

Stores have the right to set certain rules.  I know many stores that say no children under the age of blah blah blah can enter without a responsible adult that way if the child does shoplift or break something the adult can be held responsible.

maliboo_girl · Answer

Yes, it's legal. No, it's not discrimination. Besides stealing, there are liability issues too. If a kid was to get hurt, because kids tend to push and shove (don't say they don't!) and goof around, the store owner could be sued. Many stores only allow 1 kid in the store at a time. I think that's best, they'll get what they want to buy and leave. No fun being alone browsing in the store. 

Chill!

keerok · Answer

It is legal for an establishment to create and enforce its own rules. It is understood that the rule in question is to deter shoplifting, a problem that may cause the downfall of the said establishment. It is self-preservation in effect. If you, in particular, do not like this rule in a certain establishment, you are free to go elsewhere.

ozboz48 · Answer

Yes, it's legal.

Business owners have a right to refuse service to anyone.

All the best.

Anonymous · Answer

its legal but i think its pretty ridiculous. i personally would find someplace else to shop and would encourage everyone else to do so as well, when they get tired of losing business they will put a stop to their stupid rules

Turf96 · Answer

it probably isnt illegal, but it suwh is stupid

Is it legal to allow only two school-aged children into a store at a time?

8 Answers