Business ProfileforABC Store of West Jefferson

I have patronized the local ABC store off and on for a few years now. I'm sure what I'm about to share was of no consequence to them, but it humiliated me and left a scar. A couple of months ago, I visited the store, granted, walking unsteadily. As soon as I walked in, a gentleman employee of medium stature with silver hair said to me, "I can't sell to you. You've been drinking." I was startled and said, "No, I haven't. I just don't walk very well." The gentleman looked toward the counter and did not respond to me. I have no doubt the store camera would play this back as I've described it. As I am uncomfortable with confrontation, I simply left. Quite embarrassed and confused. I have a disability. I do not wander around town drunk. And I would have been happy to show him the handicap placard in my car or would have been glad for the police to come and give me a breathalyzer on the spot. If the gentleman had the mere courtesy to respond to me when I told him I didn't walk very well. I realize that the ABC store must be very careful and is bound to protect itself from liability. However, not only assuming - falsely, I might add - but outright accusing and announcing, is quite offensive and beneath the ABC organization as a whole. He did not ASK me if I had been drinking. He did not even have the civility to acknowledge my reply, which was further insulting and demeaning. I am well aware that the store won't live or die with my business, and I feel certain that the man I'm referencing will get a self-righteous laugh out of this if it makes its way to him at all.

Hello, I am sorry this has occurred. We as a store have underwent a Respectful Workplace Training for all employees. Serving the public, especially in this business can be hard. Sometimes it is hard to decern between health problems and under the influence issues. I hope next time you visit your experience will be much better.

I really appreciate the response. I do. I wish someone had reached out to me when I emailed y'all directly on October 4 instead of waiting until I shared my experience with the BBB. My challenge is not that I appeared unsteady...I get that and would have understood being asked about it. It's the way the man addressed it. He did not bother asking if I had been drinking. He told me. And then ignored me when I replied. Salt in the wound. Again, thank you for your response.