Shop bans head scarves and hijabs (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Shop bans head scarves and hijabs

10:40am Tuesday 15th January 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

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, Burnley, includes those wearing the hijab - the traditional Muslim head wear.

JOIN THE DEBATE

Is it fair to ban those wearing head scarves? Add your comments below.

A sign on the door states: 'Due to CCTV coverage all headwear must be removed before entering the shop'.

Unlike the veil, where the only the eyes are visible - the full face of the hijab wearer is visible as the scarf simply covers the hair of the wearer.

Hijab-wearers are welcome in banks, through airport security and even the passport office accepts pictures of Muslim women with the hijab on.

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."

"I think they are simply taking the headwear rule to its extreme."

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'.

Another customer added, "I know some people might say #What's a Muslim doing going into an off-licence?'

"But almost all shops and supermarkets everywhere sell alcohol. Should we stop going in them too?

"Many shops have security concerns but banning the hijab is not right at all."

"I just think a little common sense should be used here, that's all."

• Print
• Email
• Share