Shoppers wearing head scarves have been banned from a shop because the owner said they cannot be properly identified.
The ruling at Whitegate Wines off-licence and Convenience Store, Padiham Road, Padiham, includes those wearing the hijab – the traditional Muslim head wear. A sign on the door states: “Due to CCTV coverage all headwear must be removed before entering the shop.”
One customer complained after he sent his 13-year-old daughter in to buy a soft drink and crisps on her way back from school. He said: “She returned empty-handed. I then went in with my wife and she was told she would not get served. First we tried to explain that unlike a hoodie or a hat Muslim women wear the hijab for religious reasons. Then we tried to explain that if a bank accepts customers wearing a headscarf then shouldn’t that mean this shop should too? But the staff were having none of it.”
Owner Tom White said security was the overriding concern. “The police told us that a person is more identifiable if all the headgear is removed. So we have decided to implement the policy across the board so as not to favour anyone. I have also been told I am perfectly within my rights to do this. As you may understand shops such as ours are targeted by shoplifters and security is therefore a major concern for us. The policy has been in place for about a year and a half. In that that time shoplifting has gone down.”
When asked if any Hijab wearing women had committed any shoplifting in the past Mr White said, “No”.
Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 15 January 2008
And note the readers’ comments on the report. For example: “About bloody time someone has the guts to stand up to these people. You cannot walk into a bank with a crash helmet on or pay for petrol, so why should they be allowed to wear these Hijab. Am not a racist but if people want to live in our country then they should abide by our rules. When me and the wife go on holiday to places like Dubai we have to abide by their rules, ie no drinking alchohol. Lets get control of this country. Well done again Tom White.”