Do I need to specify a reason for kicking someone out?

[Mark Healey]

We have a camera in the hallway leading to the bathrooms. Today, I saw two, probably about 17 year old, boys go into the mens room. Ours has only one stall and a broken urinal. I figured that they one would use the toilet while the other waited outside and paid them no more attention, doing other things.

10-15 minutes later I am back at the desk and see them both come out at the same time. I figure that they were in there for one of two things, gay sex or drugs. I don't care which. I kicked them out.

One of them says something to the effect of "You don't know what we were doing in there.". This is true but I can think of no legitimate reason for two men to be a mens room with one stall and a broken urinal together for that long.

I'm afraid to see what the bathroom looks like....
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Phew,,,It's OK. At least there's that.

[LillFilly]

Hmmm... That's iffy. You don't know what they were doing, and they wouldn't have known one of the toilets was broken until they got in there. People have conversations in the weirdest places; they could have been having a debate on the type of grout used in the tile. Or maybe one of the teens had a medical condition he needed help with; I can't tell from the story. In my opinion, in this case, I don't think they should have been kicked-out. Sorry.

[South Texan]

Do I need to specify a reason for kicking someone out?

Sorry, but since you asked....

I am with LillFilly. Unless you have something more to show they were up to something illegal or skanky in there, I do not see how there were justifiable grounds for kicking them out.

Of course, the fact that one of them mentioned the men's room as the basis for their expulsion sure makes it look like he knew whatever they were doing in there could get them thrown out, but you had no knowledge of what really was going on.

[Aisling]

Thirded. People shouldn't be punished for someone else's suspicions. Unless you can find some kind of proof, I don't think you should throw people out; at most, let them know you're watching. If they're doing something wrong, they'll mess up eventually, and then you can act.

[gremcint]

right to refuse service to anyone.

so no you didn't need a reason.

[Hobbs]

right to refuse service to anyone.

so no you didn't need a reason.

I'm sorry, but that's basically our version of, "The customer is always right."

I'm w/ Lily and the others. Without probable cause, I can't see a reason for throwing them out. It does seem suspicious, though. Keeping an eye on them is a definite must, imho.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I don't think there's enough proof to automatically assume something hinky was going on in there, other than one of the boys assuming he was kicked out due to something going on in the bathroom.

That said, private businesses do have the right to refuse service for any non-discriminatory reason.

[Rebel1012]

when i get 2 guys coming out of the same stall i ask em "queer or gear?" before i toss em out

[Aethian]

when i get 2 guys coming out of the same stall i ask em "queer or gear?" before i toss em out

Bit inappropriate isn't it, your question that is.



Mark, I think you were wrong to kick them out. As you said one could have waited outside of the stall for the other. Just because one has done their business doesn't mean the other is just going to ditch him in the bathroom. So yea...if they didn't mess up the bathroom or weren't causing any other problems I think you booted them for no good reason. It's true that stores can do whatever they want in booting people out but I don't see the justification here.

[Rebel1012]

not much else they could be doing in such a small place together...either they are doing drugs or are real good friends.......

Most find it humorous and appropriate

[Imogene]

"queer or gear?"

Uh? Meaning?

Put me in the camp that agrees there wasn't really enough evidence to support throwing them out.

[MoonChild2007]

Or maybe they were taking turns going to the bathroom?

[PhotoChick]

As for the OP, I'm sure it could have been legitimate, but if he's had enough problems that's an issue, it his decision to toss them.

The second person, who said "queer or gear, " seriously, to fit 2 people in one STALL, they've got to be doing something right (or wrong).

[Rubystars]

You were right to throw them out. People with common sense avoid situations which might make them look like that. If other customers saw that behavior, they might be turned off to your location because they might assume that it's a gay tea room.

[Fenrus]

Without difinitive proof of any wrongdoing, I'm gonna have to go with the whole "not enough evidence" side of this argument. I know businesses can refuse service to anyone, and you were within your rights, I still don't see the problem here.

Would it be any different if it were a flock of females going into the bathroom? Just curious as to why the double standard in most establishments, where it's okay for women to relieve themselves in groups, while it's not okay for guys.