Kim Mercado for NEXT

The right to refuse service to rude customers: Is it legal for a business?

We’ve all seen the signs in businesses, retail shops and elsewhere that read, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.” But is that really true? Do business owners have the legal right to refuse service to a rude customer?

The answer is complicated. And while you, your business, and your employees may have the right to refuse service to anyone, that right may be limited under local, state, and federal laws, NEXT reports.

What is the right to refuse service?

According to the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 , no business serving the public can discriminate because of a customer’s national origin, sex, religion, color or race. This applies even if it’s a private business.

The

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