Paid parking hostage
Dear Editor,
I was recently on a mission to buy some Crocs for my children’s ‘Crocs and socks’ day at school.
I decided to try a store because of its location smack in the middle of Half-Way-Tree.
On arrival at the location I proceeded to turn into the car park next to the shop. I inquired of the security officer if the car park was indeed catering to customers of said store. He assured yes, but moved with some hesitance to allow me to park, because even though he explained the store was scheduled to open at 9:00 am, the owners were late to arrive.
I waited in the car park patiently as vehicles came and went, and at no time did I see the security collect any money. At one point during the wait I exited my vehicle to check if the store had opened. Realising it wasn’t, I started to walk back to the vehicle. At this point the security handed me a ticket and proceeded to inform me that I had to pay a fee if I didn’t buy anything inside the store.
Curious, I took the ticket and decided to read what was printed there. Of course, it outlined the cost for parking, per hour, loss of ticket, etc. And, as expected, it said nothing to the nature of his request.
When the owners of the store finally arrived the security told another to inform me that the store was open. I went inside the store, circled inside a few times, then realised there was nothing that would have suited my children (style, size) and my pocket. Needless to say, I was disappointed.
I went to the female co-owner of the store, who is also the cashier, and tried to get her attention. She was on the phone. I proceeded to hand her the ticket. I realised quite quickly I was being ignored. I spoke to get her attention. She then told me she would not stamp the ticket. Shocked, I explained to her she had nothing that suited me. She stood firm and turned away saying she would not stamp the ticket unless I bought something inside her store.
I marched back to the security and told him that what they were doing was illegal. He informed me he could do nothing about the fact that the woman refused to stamp the ticket and I was expected to pay a parking fee.
I then handed him a $1,000; it was the only change I had. He hissed his teeth and walked off grumbling that I didn’t want to pay in the first place. It seemed he had no change. He then removed the barrier to let me out.
My question is: When does it become legal to charge people for parking if they enter a store and do not buy anything?
While many people do exploit some spaces and park their vehicles and going elsewhere to shop, I sat and waited patiently for the store to open and yet I am asked to pay because I didn’t find anything suitable? Is this practice legal, or even OK?
Distressed shopper
St Andrew