Ica Store in Östersund Implements Policy to Limit Youth Entry Amid Disruptions
Ica store in Östersund limits schoolchildren's entry to improve safety and address behavior issues.
Key Points
- • Ica store limits entry to one schoolchild at a time during weekdays from 8 AM to 3 PM.
- • Policy reinstated due to theft and disruptive behavior from groups of youths.
- • Winblad emphasizes improvement in store atmosphere and customer behavior.
- • Backlash on social media describes the policy as age discrimination.
In Östersund, the Ica store's owner, Carl-Johan Winblad, has instituted a new policy restricting entry to only one schoolchild at a time during school hours (8 AM to 3 PM) to tackle issues of theft and disruptive behavior from groups of youths. Winblad indicated that the decision was prompted by a decline in store environment that required safeguarding employees and maintaining order. Previously, such a rule had been in effect during the winter but was lifted for the summer when problems subsided. However, with the return of students stemming from behavioral concerns, the store reinstated the measure.
Winblad believes that this policy encourages better behavior and respect both towards staff and other customers. Despite receiving backlash on social media regarding possible discrimination against youth, he reaffirmed that the rule is aimed at ensuring safety and comfort within the store while still welcoming all young patrons one at a time. He noted that the overall atmosphere in the store has improved since the policy's implementation, with many young customers demonstrating understanding and compliance with the new guideline. Moreover, Winblad clarified that the policy is not a refusal of service to minors but rather a controlled entry system to address specific concerns effectively.