Hi all. I was interested to find a link on here to laworfiction regarding the provisions of the disability discrimination act. Last Friday 24/7 I went into my local Tesco Metro without a mask, told them when challenged that I wouldn't wear one and after a massive fuss, was eventually given a Tesco lanyard to "wear next time" to mark me out as a non-masker :)
I returned home with my goods and emailed their customer services and complained. It was during this email exchange that I read the laworfiction blog so I decided to read them the riot act and emailed them the relevant sections of the law. If anyone is interested below is a redacted image of their reply. Needless to say, they were quiet as mice when I next went in.
Oh, and of course, I suppose it's important to note, I don't look the least bit disabled, so anybody can do this very easily. The part where they state "does not happen again to ANY of our customers" is my favourite :)
You actually got a reply from Tesco's customer services? I had a hell of a time trying, and always failing, to contact them early in the panicdemic when BoJo's idiotic lockdown decision caused a surge in demand and I was struggling to get delivery slots (no car, live far from shops).
It was funny because after I sent them the email quoting the Equality Act chapter and verse, they got back to me within the hour 😁 plus I now notice they've announced this stance as their public policy 😺
I've printed the Tesco email reply to Cliff to take with me to any Tesco shop I visit.
Nice one. I'm glad that someone can make use of it. I printed off a few copies for friends and family too, and I've shown them to other shopkeepers (in conjunction with the laworfiction docs) to prove that I'm in earnest when warning them they may be breaking the law. 😉
Good for you.
Worth knowing that this act is so loosely drafted that you can cite mere 'distress' as a reason for not masking up! But then I don't think we are fearing the law as much as the wrath of the Maskstapo types who might call us selfish granny killers etc.etc.
My Co-Op is great and I haven't been challenged there partly because along with the irritating Keep Us safe message there is now a You Can't Tell If Someone is Disabled so don't challenge others for not wearing a mask'.
This seems a very pragmatic way to avoid conflict in store.
Still not brave enough to go into my local shopping centre though....
Something or someone is interfering with this website and the links in emails sent out informing members of new posts.
6 out of 9 emails I've received the links throw up a "404 PAGE NOT FOUND".
That includes this page which is obviously here.
My son was recently refused entry to a large Tesco store. He was told he could enter unmuzzled but was to go straight to where they stock masks, buy a pack, put one on, and then continue his shopping! Needless to say, he went elsewhere. I shall print out your e-mail. Thank you for posting.