Can my employer forbid me from using their services?

Question

My sister is a maid at a hotel and she asked if she got a discout for staying there. Her manager told her the employees are forbidden from staying at the hotel because they don't want patrons who recognize the employees from seeing them staying there.

Is this legal? Can a business forbid service based on employment?

I would feel safe knowing that the employees know the hotel is clean enough to stay there. Does anyone else find this weird?

davidmi711 · Accepted Answer

Yes it is legal. A business can refuse service to anyone for almost any reason.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes

It keeps employees from stealing from their place of employment. Many retail stores have strict policies as to employees shopping in them, to prevent the old scam where multiple employees help steal items.

It also keeps a firm line between a business' patrons and a business' employees.  

Which considering the number of hotel maids who moonlight as prostitutes for crack is a good idea.  The cops always blame the hotel when their maids do this.

Landlord · Answer

It sounds pretty normal to me, hotels usually have regulars.

It is legal to refuse to serve anyone.   The hotel is well within their rights.

Since your sister is local it may cause some suspicion that she wants to stay there.

The Arbiter of common sense · Answer

The employer can refuse service to anyone, so of course they can refuse their own employees.

It's not uncommon.

Anonymous · Answer

"Right to Refuse Service"

hotwheels122287 · Answer

yes its called "right to refuse service to anyone"

mnwomen · Answer

Of course it is legal. Their business and their rules.

Can my employer forbid me from using their services?

7 Answers