Unacceptable Treatment and Unprofessional Conduct - October 4, 2024
My visit here on October 4, 2024, was disappointing and highlighted a disturbing lack of professionalism, respect, and consistency. Upon entering the store at approximately 11:10 a.m., I held the door open for a UPS delivery person carrying a large package who was not wearing a mask. Shortly thereafter, I was confronted by a male employee who demanded that I wear a mask.
Due to a hearing impairment from my military service, I initially couldn't fully understand the employee, but as I got closer, he made his demand clear. I informed him that I am medically exempt from wearing a mask due to health conditions related to my military service. Since mask mandates are no longer in effect, I do not carry an exemption letter anymore. I also noted that I had not seen any signage inside or outside the store stating masks were mandatory.
Despite explaining my medical exemption, the employee immediately became aggressive, following me around the store, yelling at me to leave, and refusing to allow me to clarify. He disregarded my rights, interrupted me, and made degrading comments, including calling me a "goof." He openly admitted that he didn't care about legal implications or how his actions might affect the business, stating the worst that could happen was him losing his job.
As someone with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), this behavior triggered significant emotional distress. The employee's hostile actions and invasive approach left me feeling discriminated against and humiliated. When I walked away to de-escalate the situation, the employee began recording me on his phone and called the police, giving them a description of me and my vehicle.
When two police officers arrived, I spoke to them outside the store while the employee remained inside. Notably, neither officer was required to wear a mask or face covering while inside the store, a clear inconsistency given the treatment I was subjected to over my medical exemption.
To address the owner's reply to my initial review on google:
The claim that there were "multiple large signs" about mask requirements is unsubstantiated. I saw none upon entering the store.
The statement that I was yelling, cursing, and threatening staff is completely false. At no point did I use profanity or make threats; rather, I was trying to explain my medical exemption while being shouted over and insulted.
I was not "escorted out" by police, as claimed. The officers and I spoke calmly outside, and I left voluntarily after obtaining a police file number.
The dismissive comment about masks not affecting hearing ("P.S. Masks go over your mouth and nose, not your ears...") is not only inappropriate but also highlights a lack of understanding of how hearing impairments work, particularly when combined with C-PTSD and a high-stress environment.
This experience reflects poorly on the business's approach to accommodating individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. The employee's aggressive conduct, the inconsistent enforcement of the mask policy (particularly with the UPS worker and police), and the owner's unprofessional, dismissive response demonstrate a serious lack of respect for customers. I would caution anyone, especially those with disabilities, against visiting this establishment. read more
