Joanita Wibowo
Legal

Store's pyjama ban causes controversy

A Salvation Army manager who was slammed for banning customers who wear pyjamas has defended her store’s policy.

The Papakura Salvation Army in South Auckland, New Zealand, has drawn controversy after a photo of the shop’s window sign went viral on social media.

The sign read: “Pyjama wear is not acceptable in the store. Thank you for your co-operation.”

The pyjama ban was met with backlash, with people labelling it as “cheeky” and “silly”. 

One person commented: “I think it’s quite cheeky of them to dictate what their customers can or can’t wear.”

Another argued: “If people have freedom of speech then [they should have] freedom to wear what they want. I have seen people wear skimpy clothing and we accept that.”

Papakura Salvation Army manager Moana Turner told the New Zealand Herald that she stands by the ruling to set a standard for the store.

“I don’t think it’s suitable to wear PJs in a public store,” said Turner.

“I was bought up by my mother. She was a single parent and there were 10 of us and not once did we ever go out without wearing clothes and shoes.

“We were very poor and I don’t think there is any reason for people to get up and walk around in public in the pyjamas.”

Turner also said that when a customer comes in pyjamas, she offers them free clothing if they have nothing else to wear.

“We all do it nicely ... we ask if them if there is anything they need so they can avoid walking in public in their pyjamas,” she said. “I give them the option if they are desperate for clothing.”

Tags:
New Zealand, Salvation Army, Auckland, shopping, Lifestyle