Does a business have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason?

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Does a business have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason?

I recently had complete falling out with a old landlord. He also works for a private security company who provides its services to more then a handful of club/concert venues and restaurants. I was denied service at one venue four months ago. Again I recently went to an event at a lounge/restaurant with 2 friends to have security there tell me I wasn’t allowed because “I **** the wrong person off”. Do I have any rights regarding refusal of service. I have done nothing illegal or threatening to be removed or denied service.

Asked on January 3, 2012 under Business Law, California

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

In the private business context, service can be refused to any person for any reason so long as the refusal is not based upon a discriminatory purpose protected under the United State's Constitution. Such protected matters that one cannot be discriminated against in the private business context would be race, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender.

If you were refused service at the private business establishment because of your alleged poor reputation, the refusal seemingly was allowable and you legally would have no legal recourse for such refusal.


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