JH Salon: Does the owner of a business have the right to refuse service?

This month we will explore the question: **Does the owner of a business have the right to refuse service even when it discriminates against others?**

Often shops have signs posted that say, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.” Since the shop is a privately owned business, the assumption is that they can choose their customers. However, most people agree that it is unlawful to discriminate against protected classes, since it can limit the services and goods that are available to minorities and underserved populations. Indeed, many local, state and federal laws have been specifically created to ensure there isn’t discrimination against certain classes of citizens. However, it has been argued in court that serving particular individuals would go against a shop owner’s religious beliefs, contending that the constitutional right to freedom of religion trumps statutory restrictions against discrimination.

While it is seen as quite logical and acceptable for a shop owner to refuse service to a person who acts in an unacceptable way (is drunk, belligerent, treats shop clerks or others rudely, etc., etc.), can a shop owner turn away a customer just because they don’t like them based on some personal trait or religious bias they hold?

Join us in-person on Sunday, June 8th from 2-4 pm to discuss this question. Those who join our meeting agree to adhere to the discussion ground rules listed below.

PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP on Meetup or email ASC@jeffersonhumanists.org so we are sure we set up enough seats and have enough refreshments.

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Since our JH Salon discussion topics can be controversial with many differing, strong opinions and viewpoints, we ask all attendees to adhere to the following discussion ground rules:

* Respect others and their opinions.
* Don’t come with a personal axe to grind
* Criticize ideas, not individuals.
* Don’t make personal attacks.
* Allow everyone the chance to speak.
* Don’t take things personally.
* Listen actively and with an ear to understanding others’ views.

The JH Salon will be held on the first Monday of every month.
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“THE AIM OF ARGUMENT, OR OF DISCUSSION, SHOULD NOT BE VICTORY, BUT PROGRESS.” ~ Joseph Joubert

ABOUT THE JH SALON

Much like the salons of France during the Enlightenment, we will discuss a variety of topics and lubricate the discussion with a few libations. Topics will be worded as questions and can be related to science, sociology, politics, philosophy, history, ethics and more. Attendees are not required to read anything in particular before the discussion, but it certainly helps to do some study before the discussion to be able to make a coherent argument and back it up.