Tescos and helmets

Tesco again, in Kingsway, Dundee.Here is the emails I sent to Tesco and the replies I recieved.

Me: Dear Sir/Madam, On Saturday 9th of June I went into the Tesco garage, Kingsway, Dundee to purchase petrol for my motorcycle trip up North that day. When I had paid for my petrol I was informed by the young girl behind the counter that next time I purchased petrol I would have to remove my helmet before entering the garage shop. I was rather stunned by this statement and informed the assistant not to worry as in future I would take my business elsewhere.Before I take this decision though, I would like to know your policy on this matter. If it is for security reasons I can understand, but will the same practise be used on people wearing sunglasses, hats etc. or any other garment which may obscure their identity? Will Muslim women be allowed into the garage wearing veils? If this is not the case then I believe you may be breaching your ‘business Ethics’ by not ‘treating customers in a fair and honest manner’.Now you may think that you can afford to lose my custom as I am a drop in the ocean compared to the amount of customers that walk through your doors every day. However, I also drive a car and I also spend in the region of £50 per week on groceries in Tesco. I am also involved in the community of bikers who tend to stick together as we are constantly discriminated against due to our mode of transport and this practise could see a few more of your customers going elsewhere also.I have favoured Tesco against other supermarkets in the area due to quality and choice but there is a new Morrison’s store opening not far from where I live soon, so I eagerly await your reply on this matter.

Tesco: Thank you for your email. My apologies for any delay in responding. My people have informed me that Helmets are required to be removed for security reasons. We do not apply this policy to religious dress. Thank you for contacting us. If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us at customer.service@tesco.co.uk quoting TES3687061X. Kind Regards Neil McGouldrickTesco Customer Service

Me: Can you please tell me why you do not apply this policy to religious dress as surely the issue of security should be aimed at everyone?

Tesco: Because a crash helmet may be seen as a security risk, which has been used to distort identification of wearer. It does not have any religious significance. However a veil is considered to be an ethnic symbol for a religious right. As Tesco do not discriminate on a religious, creed or colour basis, of employees or customers. Then this is seen as allowable in our stores. Unless the Law changes to outlaw this practice in public places. Then we will uphold a persons right to wear a veil in public places.Please see our policy section on tesco.com/corporate responsibility.