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The bizarre tale began when Patricia Barnes stopped into the Flood Zone to use the restroom, which she did, before leaving without making a purchase. Then, a few days after her powder-room visit, Barnes received a handwritten note—mailed to her home—saying she owed the restaurant $5.
Turns out the local sheriff helped track Barnes down by running her license plate, all as a favor to the owner of the restaurant.
According to the Houston County Sheriff, Darrell Allison, though, it was no biggie.
“I would say that happens every day,” he told the TV station. “It’s a very common occurrence.”
But, countered local state Rep. John C. Tidwell, “The way I interpret it, it would be illegal,” he said, explaining that license plate information is to be used only for law enforcement purposes. “The information should not have ever been given over to the business. That is information that is supposed to be dealt with by the state’s agency or the official.”
Originally posted by NarcolepticBuddha
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This story really makes NO sense to me. Demanding a payment of any amount is ridiculous, and getting the sheriff involved is just outrageous.
Some people are just stupid and exercise their stupidity in creative ways. It makes life and ATS interesting thoughedit on 1-3-2013 by NarcolepticBuddha because: (no reason given)
Barnes said she wasn’t angry about the bill, which she attempted to pay, twice, and which the Flood Zone owners refused ("I would not take her $5," Lisa told Shine). What did upset her, though, was that the police shared her and husband Randy Edwards’ address with Lisa so she could mail the bill.
When reached by phone, a receptionist for Sheriff Allison told Yahoo! Shine he was not "giving any more comments about this."
Originally posted by Aleister
The sheriff will get more than his share of annoyance from this by having his name and deed all over the press (and ATS for that matter) and be the subject of ridicule. He shall probably rule the day that he ever did this.
Originally posted by j2000
What is wrong with the picture here? How does this seem so bad?
But, countered local state Rep. John C. Tidwell, “The way I interpret it, it would be illegal,” he said, explaining that license plate information is to be used only for law enforcement purposes. “The information should not have ever been given over to the business. That is information that is supposed to be dealt with by the state’s agency or the official.”
Now you can read this story and take it in a direction of right to charge monies for use of a bathroom or not, but there is a bigger picture here to see.
The little favors are not much different then what they do in DC with buddies on bills and contracts. They say if you want to change things to start at the local level and go up. I guess things like this would prove the therory right. If it's that easy on a small basis and you carry that up the ladder, nothing really changes.
I think it would be harsh, but the sheriff in this case should have abuse charges brought against him to make a point, but more important, to start moving in the right direction for once.
Originally posted by NarcolepticBuddha
Originally posted by Aleister
The sheriff will get more than his share of annoyance from this by having his name and deed all over the press (and ATS for that matter) and be the subject of ridicule. He shall probably rule the day that he ever did this.
Do you honestly believe that? Just watch him get away scott-free and become an appointed judge to a small claims court somewhere down the line. I'm wondering if you're not an American. There will be no consequences, I'm almost certain.
He will not "rue" anything.edit on 1-3-2013 by NarcolepticBuddha because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by CrimsonMoon
My tactic is to fully mentally convince myself i'm going in to buy something but i'm going to use the loo first and then on my way out I suddenly change my mind and just decide to leave. That way my conscience is clean.
That cop abused his power...
Originally posted by MysterX
Originally posted by j2000
Agreed, total abuse of police powers and improper use of police time and equipment, not to mention issues of confidentiality and rights to privacy of a member of the public who had not done anything wrong or illegal.
And strictly speaking, in law, unless the shop owner had a clearly displayed signage over the entrance of the shop, or in another prominent and clearly visible position stating that use of the toilet is dependent on making a purchace or a payment charge of $5 will be made, the owner hasn't a legal leg to stand on.
The sheriff should be reprimanded and have this on his record.
As far as the idiot shop owner...would he have preferred she simply wet herself (or worse) all over his shop floor or doorstep instead of using the toilet?