Woman is banned from wearing backless dress to a Post Office after owner warned they ‘can’t allow too much exposure’ in store

A woman was barred from wearing a backless dress inside a Post Office after the owner of the store said they ‘can’t allow too much exposure’.

The shopper went into a convenience store during this summer’s heatwaves wearing an outfit which left her back exposed, only to be confronted by the postmistress.

The customer, whose name is believed to be Lily, said she was pointed towards a note in a window which read: ‘We do understand, it is very hot. But because this is a convenience store of food and Post Office, we can’t allow: topless, backless or just with bra or too much exposure.

‘Please wear a top before coming in. Thank you for your cooperation.’

The Post Office has now spoken to the owner of the store, who has removed the note – and the firm today ‘sincerely’ apologised to the woman for her ‘stressful experience’.

The company did not reveal the location of the outlet involved, but the complainant today told the Daily Mail it was Ramslye Post Office in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

The branch, like many across the UK, is operated as an independent business which means it can legally refuse entry based on what a person is wearing if the dress code does not discriminate against protected characteristics under the Equality Act, such as race, religion or disability.

Some 6million people read about the woman’s experience in her X post.

She wrote: ‘I was just told by Post Office staff that my outfit was inappropriate and that, in future, I cannot wear “backless clothing” inside the store and should make sure I’m “covered up”.

‘I was also directed to the note supposedly from store management. In the height of summer, I really don’t think this is a particularly scandalous outfit?’

In response to her message, the Post Office said it was investigating the matter and apologised to Lily.

One X user who responded said: ‘There is nothing remotely inappropriate about this outfit, particularly in the height of summer.

‘Businesses shouldn’t be policing women’s clothing like this. Common sense needs to prevail.’

Another said the warning was ‘ridiculous’.

A Post Office spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘We want all of our customers to have a positive experience when visiting a Post Office.

‘In this instance, the branch and shop is owned by an independent Postmistress.

‘She has requested that all customers adhere to a set of clothing standards that is respectful of this space being a convenience store and Post Office and that all customers can feel comfortable when going about buying their groceries or using our services.

‘We have spoken to the Postmistress and she has said that the note has been taken down for now.’

In a later message shared with Lily, the Post Office today told her: ‘We want to start by sincerely apologising.

‘The Post Office take pride in the reliable and friendly service we provide and the experience you describe certainly doesn’t fit in with our brand values.

‘Every customer is welcome; our customers are always our priority, and we want every visit to a Post Office branch to be a positive one for all our customers.’

The firm added services there were ‘operated by an independent Postmaster’ for the branch’s day-to-day running, and that the Post Office had referred the matter for an account management team responsible for overseeing the outlet.

There has now been an agreement to remove the sign, the Post Office said, adding: ‘We know that this must have been a stressful experience and we’re sorry not to have delivered the service you expected.

‘It’s always valuable to have our customers highlight ways in which we can improve our services and we thank you for taking the time to raise this with us.’