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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

A local shop is refusing entry to single parents

619 replies

Throwaway667 · 28/03/2020 09:58

I feel completely enraged by this. With delivery and collection slots now going to the vulnerable (as they should) it’s becoming more difficult to buy essential shopping as it is.
To remove access to essential goods based on the person having a dependant they can’t leave at home is upsetting imo.
Surely this is discrimination?

OP posts:
AngelsSins · 30/03/2020 15:27

My god there are some dumb, selfish little fuckwits on this thread. I wonder how many of them we’re blindly bleating about kindness a few weeks ago....

doghairismyglitter · 30/03/2020 16:13

I think this thread has killed all of my hopes for humanity. People are literally willing to let children starve to death so that they have less chance of catching a virus which any other human being in the store could transmit to them. I really hope none of you who condone this kind of thing are parents because your contempt for babies is nothing short of evil in this case

This.

Jesusisking · 30/03/2020 16:19

That is actually not fair

strawberrylipgloss · 30/03/2020 16:30

If that's true, it's a disgrace.
A rule requiring little kids to be restrained in a buggy or trolley would be reasonable.

PeterWeg · 30/03/2020 16:47

think this thread has killed all of my hopes for humanity. People are literally willing to let children starve to death so that they have less chance of catching a virus
No I think you will find that rather than pontificate about the unfairness and discrimination, maybe some people could realise we are in National Emergency and they need to take action.

Like, ask for someone to help with the shopping, FFS.

PeterWeg · 30/03/2020 16:49

People don’t starve out of stubbornness. Educate yourself.
No, they don't do they. They adapt.

or

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/shopping-hour-and-care-packages-to-help-over-70s-brbxcpwwz

Vampyress · 30/03/2020 17:04

Peter, you are disgustingly stupid in this case but honestly I don't have the energy to argue with you because frankly, you don't deserve the air you breathe let alone anymore of my time.

PrincessConsueIaBananaHammock · 30/03/2020 17:08

Like, ask for someone to help with the shopping, FFS.

What I don't get is why it's more acceptable and reasonable to put someone else at risk, possibly causing extra traffic,trips, exposure , take resources and help from the housebound etc when you are completely able and capable to do something yourself?

JuanSheetIsPlenty · 30/03/2020 17:43

No, they don't do they. They adapt.

Like, ask for someone to help with the shopping, FFS.

At first I thought theres no point as you’re incapable of getting it, but it’s actually worse, You don’t want to get it. If you did, you would because its been explained numerous times in a variety of ways on this thread for anyone whose brain didn’t allow them to work it out for themselves. You are deliberately refusing to acknowledge the specific difficulties this policy creates for some people. There’s a reason for that and I suggest you look inwardly and try and find out what that is. But in the mean time, leave those who are struggling alone. There’s no need to poke them.

Devora13 · 30/03/2020 18:52

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services1/identifying-discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services-why-are-you-treated-unfairly/

A lot of rights will be overlooked during this time, I am sure.
But you could argue discrimination on the ground of:
Pregnancy or maternity, if you have a very young baby
Disability if you have a disabled child
Sex if you have young children, on the basis that, since the majority of caring responsibility falls to women, more women will be affected than men.

I would suggest a message on the shop's FB page, quite often they look for comments which could lead to negative publicity. If there is no access to posting on the page, pop a comment on something they've posted.

As for those people saying can't you leave the children outside-REALLY???

Usernamerequired · 30/03/2020 20:27

Check out the app ‘Nextdoor’ lots of local people have set up help groups and will do shopping for those isolating or unable to get out. Maybe phone ahead and pay for shopping and get someone to collect it and drop to your doorstep-no contact needed. And shop elsewhere owner sounds like they’re taking their preferences too far without making any exceptions

oblada · 30/03/2020 20:35

Of course it's potential discrimination and of course it's unacceptable. How ridiculous to expect single parents to rely on others' charity just because they have a child to look after. Perfectly reasonable for them to want to do their own shopping ffs!

sue20 · 31/03/2020 14:57

I don't understand this post, what does it mean? How is the shop supposed to know if you are a single parent?

Samcro · 31/03/2020 14:59

i saw a child in a supermarket today. she was well behaved and seemed to know not to go near people. have to say it brightened up my day to see a smiling child. (misses point of thread)

NastyOldBag · 31/03/2020 15:05

sue20 the point is that shops saying children aren’t allowed in shops or only one shopper per household means that huge amounts of single parents cannot go food shopping. I’m unwilling to leave my 4yo home alone and if I couldn’t take him into the shop with me I wouldn’t be able to buy any food.

FanfictionFan · 04/04/2020 11:44

I work for one of the big supermarkets, it has come down to us from up high that it is one person per household, however if a person has no choice but to bring their children then we are to use common sense.

There is no need for an entire family to be shopping.

FanfictionFan · 04/04/2020 11:48

The thing is, we know that people will get round this by standing separately in the queue and then meeting up once inside.

I know in my store staff are more likely to be reasonable to customers who aren't behaving like total clunkers.

Samina700 · 05/04/2020 00:13

Hi! I am 11th weeks pregnant ...
But I am feeling shortness of breathe today which is not severe...
But I have to breathe frequently ....
Is that any problem..

catx1606 · 05/04/2020 10:38

They won't be saying that single parents can't go in, they're probably meaning no children. A lot of supermarkets are now asking for only one person per trolley. It's to help minimize the spread of the virus and make sure they can control the 2m distance
Find your local area Facebook page and post your actual situation. There are support groups being set up all over the country to help people in your situation, the vulnerable, key workers who can't get to the shops. There will more than likely be a group near you that would be happy to do your shopping for you.

I hope that helps.

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