One day I noticed a new sign had been posted in my beauty shop

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT

TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE
~
RESTROOMS FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY

Since this sign was not there at my last appointment, I knew immediately that something had happened to prompt it.

“OK,” I turned and faced my hairstylist,  ”what happened?” 

She began to unfold the story of a seemingly nice though strange lady entering the shop and asking to use the restroom. Even though this lady was not a customer, my hair stylist consented and waved her toward the restroom in the back of the shop.

The lady soon emerged and left the shop without even a thank you.

It was not until much later when a customer went to the restroom that it was discovered that the stranger had left the restroom not just dirty, but filthy with feces on the toilet seat and used tissue on the floor.

After cleaning the restroom and sterilizing herself, I imagine my hairstylist put that sign up next.

As an African American I grew up when Blacks were refused service at restaurants, hotels and even at parks, I bristle at these signs. As a business owner, I understand the right to establish company policies and the right to anyone who won’t adhere to them.

I understand how a customer’s loud-playing boom box can disturb other customers’ dining experience, but how does not wearing a tie or sporting dreadlocks disturb anyone?

How can a business owner ensure that a customer will pay them after they provide service? Do trustworthy people have a certain look, a certain manner or certain way of dressing?

Where do such signs cross the line from being the right of the establishment to violating the right of the patron to have access to services?

Tell me what you think. . .