Rita Seymour, 79, was banned from all Sainsbury’s stores across the UK after a “number of incidents over time” at her local store
A great-grandmother banned from every Sainsbury’s in Britain has pleaded to be allowed back in – because her nearest alternative supermarket is ‘too far away’. Rita Seymour was informed she was no longer welcome at the chain following a “number of incidents over time” at her local branch in Hook, Hampshire.
However, the 79-year-old insists she is “not that sort of person” and wants the ban overturned. She says the Sainsbury’s near her is a five-minute walk from her home, compared to a 20-minute trek to her second option, Tesco.
Rita is a mum-of-one, grandmother-of-four and great-grandmother-of-two. She said: “I’m not interested in money. But, I live five minutes away from the shop, and I would like this ban lifted.”
The pensioner, who has lived in Hook since 1981, says she visits the nearby branch once a week to do her shopping. She says she would typically spend between £80 and £100.
It was during a visit earlier this month that Rita, who worked in customer services, reportedly became involved in a dispute with a staff member while attempting to purchase a EuroMillions ticket. Rita claims she had to request a lottery ticket four times before receiving a response from the employee.
When she eventually answered, Rita claims the staff member said she had been rude and summoned management, who accused her of insulting staff and ‘pinching food’. Rita said: “She went to take a picture of me, and I pushed her camera out of her face.
“I said, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong here, you’re not taking pictures of me’. She was flinging her arms about.”
When Rita returned to the shop the following day, she claims she was refused entry. She says she was also handed a letter informing her she had been banned from Sainsbury’s and Argos stores nationwide.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We want everyone to feel welcome when they shop with us, and our colleagues work hard to create a positive in-store experience. We take any form of abusive and inappropriate behaviour seriously.
“Following a number of incidents over time, a decision was taken to withdraw this individual’s right to shop at our Hook store. This action was not taken lightly, but the safety and well-being of colleagues and customers always come first.”
Rita, whose husband is disabled, flatly denied that any previous incidents had ever taken place. She said: “I’m not that sort of person, I never cause trouble, I never do any trouble – they’re saying it to get out of everything. I want to clear my name.”
What does it take for someone to get banned from a supermarket?
Since supermarkets are privately owned, they have the authority to deny service and prohibit entry to their stores for almost any reason, as long as the ban does not violate laws against discrimination based on protected characteristics. Typical reasons for a ban can include theft, shoplifting, or trying to leave without paying.
Additionally, abusive, aggressive, or threatening actions directed at employees or fellow customers may result in a ban. Engaging in antisocial behaviour, like causing major disruptions, tampering with merchandise, or vandalising property, is also a common reason for being banned.
