Foodstore denies teens ban claim

12:17pm Wednesday 12th December 2007

A supermarket has denied claims that under-16s have been banned from entering the store.

Lidl, in North Road, Milford Haven, has denied that the supermarket has banned under-16s from entering, but admitted that it has been experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour.

A Lidl spokesman said: "It is not in our policy to ban age groups from our stores, however our Milford Lidl store has experienced problems with schoolchildren.

"We have to think of our customers and certain times of the day, especially between 3.30pm and 4pm, we have been experiencing a lot of anti-social behaviour.

"Large numbers of children have been entering the store and running riot. It becomes almost a game to them."

An under-16 from Milford Haven, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Mercury to say he had been denied entry to the supermarket.

He said: "Lidl is refusing to serve, or allow in under-16s for reasons based on no proof.

"I have phoned LIDL UK manager's office to inform them."

Lidl confirmed one mother had complained that her son had been unable to enter the store.

The Lidl spokesman added: "We will be writing to Milford Haven comprehensive school and we hope to work with the school to resolve the problem."

The spokesman refused to name the store manager claiming the company was concerned he may become a target of graffiti.

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