Letter to Exxon/Esso gas Station Corporate office Today, I went into an Esso Service Station at MountainSide and Guelph Line in Burlington Ont. I am a barefooter by nature, which means I don't wear shoes, ever. Upon entry into the store - after fueling - I was immediately told that I would have to wear shoes inside the store and that it is illegal for me to drive barefoot. I asked as to why this was. The female clerk told me that she doesn't make the rules just enforces them. I asked if there was a sign on the door stating as such. She said no. I asked what 'rules' I was 'breaking'. She told me that she thought it had to do with food and diseases, but really couldn't pinpoint. I then told her that since I was a barefooter and a member of the Society of Barefoot Living, I was keenly aware of the rules - or lack thereof - more than her. It is perfectly legal in all Canadian provinces and 49 American states (ex Kentucky) to drive barefoot. It is perfectly legal for me to have entry into any establishment barefoot since the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) applies to employees and not customers. If I am to step on anything sharp or things that may hurt me, the mere act of me not wearing shoes indemnifies companies from lawsuits. I accept all responsibility when shodden. Since I have been a long time customer of Canadian Esso stations, I would like a letter stating that it is perfectly acceptable for me to enter Esso stations without shoes as anything less would be discriminatory. Thank you Chris Attard
Unfortunately, some people who have no life and feel no control of it, love to impose their will if they can. Happened to me in a CVS where no one else including managers had anything to say. Like me if u go to a different store its not likely to happen. Pity people who have no real life.
cattard, You don't have access to private property unless the owner wants you there. While the owner might choose to allow barefoot folks, they are under no obligation to do so. Similarly, the owner might choose to not allow the use of shoes on their property. (up to ADA orthotics considerations)
Mike, a service station is private property with public access. How else can you go in there? It's like the bottom part of a driveway that is split by a sidewalk. Just as such, I could've gone home to get my sandals, but never return.
When I was on vacation I had a similar incident in Florida (of all places). filled my tank, walked into the place, I was told I had to have shoes on to enter. I told him I didn't have any, he repeated his statement to which I replied, "I don't have any shoes and if you won't let me in to pay, I guess the fuel is free or you will have to pay for it". his dumbfounded look was priceless, after a several eye blinks and stare at nothing he said I could do it "just this once"
a little off subject but i didnt know it was illegal to drive barefoot in Kentucky. Ive done it before and im actually going up there in October...Only thing i ever seen regarding barefoot driving laws was if you were riding a motorcycle in Alabama OH and the new walking down the Jersey Shore laws that are mainly for baggy pants but applys to being shirtless and barefoot as well.
