The Right to Refuse Service

[PeterH]

My attendant just called. A woman came in to drop-off laundry. On her way out the door, she said something about how her kids have head lice. Before the attendant could react, she was gone. (OTOH, she was a school nurse and knows how to handle the laundry...)

So, the question is: under what circumstances do you exercise your right to turn away a customer, whether that be for drop-off or for self-service (when you catch them)?

lice/flea/insect infestations
cooking/automotive grease
horse blankets
biohazard

[Winston]

I am not an attorney, but I believe you can refuse service to anyone for no reason, or for a reason that could apply to anyone. You cannot refuse service because of race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or use of service animals. I think it's similar to the reasons you can and cannot fire an employee. In Virginia an employee can be fired for no reason, but can't be fired for reasons listed above.

[Clothes_Tyme]

I am not an attorney, but I believe you can refuse service to anyone for no reason, or for a reason that could apply to anyone. You cannot refuse service because of race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or use of service animals. I think it's similar to the reasons you can and cannot fire an employee. In Virginia an employee can be fired for no reason, but can't be fired for reasons listed above.

I agree, I believe you ahave the right to refuse service as long as it does not violate the persons civil rights (race, religion, gender, etc.). California also has the right to work law. An employee can be fired for no reason except for the reasons listed above. It also applies to providing services.

[hithere]

My attendant just called. A woman came in to drop-off laundry. On her way out the door, she said something about how her kids have head lice. Before the attendant could react, she was gone. (OTOH, she was a school nurse and knows how to handle the laundry...)

So, the question is: under what circumstances do you exercise your right to turn away a customer, whether that be for drop-off or for self-service (when you catch them)?

lice/flea/insect infestations
cooking/automotive grease
horse blankets
biohazard

I think so, you have right to refuse any service, regardless of wash&fold or self-laundry...
you or your attendants simply can say " Mam, we can't take your wash&fold, can you go other store?" something like that...." we are so busy..."

[Rich]

Only once had to turn a wdf customar away. She dropped almost 100 LBs off once, the attendant did it but told me the close were absolutly gross. Looked like after they the close were worn they used them for animal beding. The self serve customars were complaining how could she even think of doing them. The next time the women came in I told the attendant to tell her "she needs more of a sevice then we can offer". Worked fine the women apologized and left. Hated to refuse a large order like that but sometimes its just not worth it.

[anonymous]

I am not an attorney, but I believe you can refuse service to anyone for no reason, or for a reason that could apply to anyone. You cannot refuse service because of race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or use of service animals. I think it's similar to the reasons you can and cannot fire an employee. In Virginia an employee can be fired for no reason, but can't be fired for reasons listed above.

Just had a similar problem a week ago, a homeless guy comes in and puts a bunch of wet "DIRTY" clothing in a dryer and starts the dryer. A bunch of customers complain to the attendant. She called me and I told her to refund his money and ask him to either wash the clothing first or leave - he refused and she called the police. When police arrived they wanted to talk to me. The officer said I should post a sign that specifically said that you have to wash clothing before drying then they would have an easier job of removing him. I thanked him, but told him I cannot possibly post a sign for every type of behavior we don't want to take place - probably could not think of them all ahead of time. He agreed, but said I should post one for this. I thanked him again, but asked why should I have to do that - you would gladly evict a patron from MacDonalds if they came in with a can of tuna and soda and started eating it there even though they have no signs.

Guess I now need a sign that says management reserves the right to deny service to anyone for any reason.

[pete f]

Just had a similar problem a week ago, a homeless guy comes in and puts a bunch of wet "DIRTY" clothing in a dryer and starts the dryer. A bunch of customers complain to the attendant. She called me and I told her to refund his money and ask him to either wash the clothing first or leave - he refused and she called the police. When police arrived they wanted to talk to me. The officer said I should post a sign that specifically said that you have to wash clothing before drying then they would have an easier job of removing him. I thanked him, but told him I cannot possibly post a sign for every type of behavior we don't want to take place - probably could not think of them all ahead of time. He agreed, but said I should post one for this. I thanked him again, but asked why should I have to do that - you would gladly evict a patron from MacDonalds if they came in with a can of tuna and soda and started eating it there even though they have no signs.

Guess I now need a sign that says management reserves the right to deny service to anyone for any reason.


here in Florida it is called a trespass warrant. You can kick anyone you want with no reason off your property, police will comply with the request.