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Muslim checkout staff get an alcohol opt-out clause

MUSLIM supermarket checkout staff who refuse to sell alcohol are being allowed to opt out of handling customers’ bottles and cans of drink.

Islamic workers at Sainsbury’s who object to alcohol on religious grounds are told to raise their hands when encountering any drink at their till so that a colleague can temporarily take their place or scan items for them.

Other staff have refused to work stacking shelves with wine, beer and spirits and have been found alternative roles in the company.

Sainsbury’s said this weekend it was keen to accommodate the religious beliefs of all staff but some Islamic scholars condemned the practice, saying Muslims who refused to sell alcohol were reneging on their agreements with the store.

Islam states that Muslims should not consume alcohol, but opinion is divided on whether it is permissible to be involved in the sale of it.

Mustapha, a Muslim checkout worker at the company’s store in Swiss Cottage, northwest London, interrupts his work to ensure that he does not have to sell or handle alcohol.

Each time a bottle or can of alcohol comes along the conveyor belt in front of him, Mustapha either swaps places discreetly with a neighbouring attendant or raises his hand so that another member of staff can come over and pass the offending items in front of the scanner before he resumes work.

Some of the staff delegated to handle the drink for Mustapha are themselves obviously Muslim, including women in hijab head coverings. However, a staff member at the store told a reporter that two other employees had asked to be given alternative duties after objecting to stacking drinks shelves.

Mustapha told one customer: “I can’t sell the alcohol because of my religion. It is Ramadan at the moment.”

His customers did not appear to have any objection to his polite refusal to work with alcohol. One said: “I have no issues with it at all, it really doesn’t bother me.”

However, some senior Muslims were less approving.

Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, director of the Muslim Institute and leader of the Muslim parliament, said: “This is some kind of overenthusiasm. One expects professional behaviour from people working in a professional capacity and this shows a lack of maturity.

“Sainsbury’s is being very good, they are trying to accommodate the wishes of their employees and we commend that. The fault lies with the employee who is exploiting and misusing their goodwill. It makes no difference if it is only happening over Ramadan.”

Ibrahim Mogra, chairman of the inter-faith committee of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), said: “Muslim employees should look at the allowances within Muslim law to enable them to be better operating employees and not be seen as rather difficult to cater for.”

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s, confirming Mustapha’s stance, said: “At the application stage we ask the relevant questions regarding any issues about handling different products and where we can we will try and accommodate any requirements people have, but it depends on the needs of the particular store.”

 

 

 

 

I haven't heard anything so ridiculous in a long time. Its up to the individual to know what the job entails before applying or accepting the position. If you are not willing to carry out the duties the job entails, do not apply. Its as simple as that.

The time we stop bending the rules to suit certain individuals in this country is LONG overdue.

 

Matt, Redditch,

 

When was the last time you heard of a muslim country bending over backwards for its christian inhabitants or for that fact donating foreign aid??

 

Benjamin, London,

 

Could anyone explain why Afghanistan as a moslem country grows opium poppies on a colossal scale. Does this not imply there are very few real moslems in Afghanistan. Or is there some sort of reverse fatwa in operation that allows opium but not alcohol?

 

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

 

I find it amazing that nobody stands up and says enough is enough. Where is it going to go next? Basically, if I didn't want to touch bottles of alcohol in a supermarket then I would find a more suitable job. I think Sainsbury's needs to be prepared for a lot of people boycotting their stores as it is the most rediculous statement I have heard in a long time. Can I ask what would happen if a Sainsbury's store has only muslim staff working in it, what would happen if I wanted to buy a bottle of alcohol as nobody will touch it???

 

Richard Deamer, London, UK

 

Actually, this is not as stupid as the Scottish hospital policy of asking non-muslim staff to not eat in front of their Muslim co-workers during Ramadan.

Seriously. This has been reported in the Times several months ago.

Surely Muslims themselves realize that all this idiocy is creating HUGE resentment against them. Where are the sensible voices?

 

Michael, Windsor, Canada

 

It's a very progressive decision by Sainsbury and a good step in the right direction for harmony between muslims and non-muslims. I also appreciate the efforts Britain has made in providing halal meats to schools, ensuring that toilets in council houses don't face Mecca and providing separate swimming times in public pools. We also really need footbaths for prayer time in public facilities but we will wait a bit before asking for that.

abdullah, Croydon,, UK

I'm hoping the above is a joke. In this day and age I'm not sure.

 

Johnny, Wales,

 

Honestly, Sainsbury must be in the pay of the BNP. Are they TRYING to make Muslims even more unpopulat in this country than they already are? Swimming pool managers must be in the BNP as well, for the same reason, with all this rubbish about giving Muslim women separate swimming sessions.

 

jane scott, London , UK

 

So next time a Muslim woman or girl wants to buy a scarf in my shop, do I have a right to refuse to serve them as they may use it to cover their heads. Something which I find prejudicial to women as a fully paid up atheist?

 

Jillita, Lewisham, UK

 

Surely this problem can be best avoided by muslims not working in any shop which sells alcohol.

 

John Gentle, Birmingham,

 

Has anyone paid Sainsbury's CONTACT US page a visit?
If this many have felt compelled to comment here, perhaps Sainsbury's itself would be a good place to voice your thoughts.....

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/furniture/contactus/contactus.htm

 

Chris Wood, Manchester,

 

The widespread supine PC behaviour of which this Sainsbury's incident is an example is a by-product of the anti-Christian "Kulturkampf" which has been waged by the "wise men of our age" for over a century now.

 

Robert H. Olley, Reading, Berks, England

 

Taking religion out of it for a moment, if you cannot do your job, should you be doing that job? Probably not.

Putting religion back into it. I wonder whether an English man in Pakistan would be afforded the same level of tollerance by his employer under similar circumstances?

 

julian, Birmingham, UK

 

BOYCOTT SAINSBURYS.

this is an insult to customers.

 

simon tolbeck, london, uk

 

I dread to think what will happen if a Muslim steals from the till.
Will Sainsbury's cut their hand off?

 

Anthony, London, U.K.

 

It is interesting that Sainsbury's have allowed him not to do his job.

I think a lot of people will be targeting Asian check out people in the hope that they will refuse to check out the wine bottles.

I suspect if it keeps happening Sainsburys may change their mind.

ETR

 

Eric Staines, Halifax , UK

 

I think the checkout staff's objections are petty, but reasonable if their employer is willing to accomodate it without inconveniencing the customers.

What bothers me more is that if this becomes common practice, all retailers wil become legally obliged to accomodate any Muslim staff in the same way which will makeMuslims less employable and appear more awkward.

 

Tim, Auckland, New Zealand

 

I am lost for words! This takes the biscuit – what next? Are these employees ignorant or being disruptive on purpose? Does this mean that they will refuse medical treatment/ surgery if for instance the surgery involves the use of surgical alcohol? Now we must train to become mind readers – how else can we tell? Unless of course they carry placards! I wish the government did something to stop this nonsense from spreading – what next? This PC business is now getting out of control!

 

Pradeep, London,

 

Anyone who has been to an Islamic wedding will know that the tables are full of alcohol!! Not just wine either, Gin, Vodka, Bacardi,Whisky alternating down the tables!

 

Glynis Jones, Birmingham, England

 

Will Catholics get an opt out from handling contraceptives? What about Vegans getting an opt out for touching packaged meat or dairy products?

Will Hindus get an opt out for handling beef or Jews & Muslims an opt out for touching Black pudding and pork chops?

Sorry I can't think of any more silly questions.

 

A Thomas, Durham,

 

It's a very progressive decision by Sainsbury and a good step in the right direction for harmony between muslims and non-muslims. I also appreciate the efforts Britain has made in providing halal meats to schools, ensuring that toilets in council houses don't face Mecca and providing separate swimming times in public pools. We also really need footbaths for prayer time in public facilities but we will wait a bit before asking for that.

 

abdullah, Croydon,, UK

 

Would they go out of their way to accommodate Christians? I doubt it! The UK will soon be an Islamic Republic

 

Geno, Charlotte, NC USA

 

I am just curious,

what about perfume, and Listerine Mouth wash, both of these contain alcohol, will he not touch them too?

 

Steve, london,

 

I think its daft! Theres a difference between drinking and selling alcohol!

 

Jodie, Bolton,

 

im sorry this is all wrong if you cant take the heat then get out of the kitchen, when is all this rubbish going to stop thenext thing for this person will be i dont want to handle pork or pork products,if you cant do the job then find your self a job that fits in with your religous beliefs.

 

john rasmussen, cardiff, uk

 

That is so wrong it's just crazy. Just give the job to someone who wants it instead. If I were empoying people, I would seriously NOT hire persons who don't wish to follow the work descriptions. I mean, what do you do with a chamber maid who feels she doesn't want to clean the WC? Or a mail man with serious doubts he can deliver packages with clothes in them?

 

Aamna, london, uk

 

I live in Morocco, a Muslim country (I am a UK Expat) and of course it is Ramadan here.

And *here* you can buy Alcohol (if you are not Muslim) and the (all) muslim Checkout girls *will* handle it no problem !!

Go figure !

 

Jez, Casablanca, Morocco

 

this is ridulous! muslims do drink they just do it undercover!

 

kiran, lon,

 

This is so ridiculous!! Anyone remember the BA worker sacked for wearing a cross pendant?? this is definitely a sign of what the words "ethnic minority" really means in modern day England!
And another thing...why is it that I have yet to hear news of Buddhists, jews (or whatever else) that are unwilling to integrate and abide the common rules of society!?

 

David, London, UK

 

This is crazy. Guy at the til doesn't have any physical contact with alcohol, merely the bottles and boxes. If he is that fussy, he shouldn't handle shampoo bottles etc. Why the hell is he working in Sainsbury's for? He shouldn't even be filling up his car with petrol or live in a country that has a pub around the corner. I'm a Muslim, and really think these people are a little out of touch with reality. Not sure what to think of Sainsbury's whether its a publicity stunt or what.

 

Raj Bahet, Plymouth,

 

Mustapha isnt the problem its the system here that panders to muslims every whim.

Given the choice of either do your job or get another job (surely handling all goods is part of the job profile) then im sure he would do it, If not get rid of him.

We are slowly moving into a muslim, non muslim state here where one side has more say than the other

 

Dal, london,

 

This is totally ridiculous, as some of your previous comments have said: Show them the door. Will the next item they refuse to handle be meat because it is not halal? It is high time the West stopped bending over for these idiots.

 

Digby, Llucmayor, Spain

 

I feel the country being taken over by the dark side.
Help us Obi-Wan, your our only hope!

 

Pete , St Albans, England

 

i think a full scale boycott of sainsurys is indicated. go tesco

 

terry sullivan, morden,

 

Funny, I recently went to a corner shop run by moslems to buy a bottle of wine. Normally this bottle costs a fiver everywhere else but the assistant had no problem handling the wine and charging me a tenner. How strange.

 

Rick, London, England

 

im at university studying in the UK i am English and the second i graduate is the second i leave for reasons exactly like this
good luck getting my student loan back !!!!

 

rich, london, england

 

As someone who has worked for 4 years for a central London branch of Sainsbury's, I have to say that I am very disappointed with this decision, as I feel that by (over)accomodating one minorities needs you are effectively disciminating against all the rest. I think as a result of this I will become a teetotal, vegetarian catholic, and will refuse to handle all alcohol, condoms, meat products and meat by-products, and take my company to the Commision for Racial Equality when they try to discipline me for it. On a more sinister note, I think that this decision has a lot to do with the fact that Sainsbury's are currently in negotiations with a middle-eastern company to buy them out.

 

Stephanie, London, UK

 

Are the directors of Sainsbury's out of their minds? More Neville Chamberlianism; appease, appease, appease at all costs - cowards and traitors the lot of them. This just such arrant nonsense. Now we are entering into the realm of unintended consequences.

Employees have no right to dictate to management what they will and will not do. In most companies I know, including my own, any employee who pulls a stunt like this would be terminated immediately. Further in most companies, employees must agree in advance to do the job they are hired to do completely as a condition of employment; no right thinking employer ever likes to pay for a whole loaf and get half.

If Muslims want to live in Britain, they should behave and live in in a manner that is more akin to the people of the host country otherwise, they should be encouraged to move to a country that is more compatible with their beliefs.

 

Steve Robinson, Los Angeles, California, USA

 

Now I know why I left the UK !!!! This is stupid. No dis-respect to people involved but they are not actually even handling the alcohol, its in its containers, its bottles etc, so at no point does it come in to contact with them !!!!

There has to be a boundary that is not crossed at some time, but the way things are going over there it doesnt look like its ever going to get clarified.

 

AndyB, Auckland, new Zealand

 

Utterly ridiculous. Add another to the list of 'not shopping there agains'.

 

Dave Lister, Liverpool,

 

One further scenario to consider. I want to buy some red wine to perform a private eucharist ceremony. A muslim at Sainsbury's refuses to handle it. This insults my faith. Who wins?

I know who loses!

 

Joe M, London,

 

Lets hope no Muslim ever wins the Grand Prix then.

Watching him or her screaming in agony from the podium drenched in Champaigne would be heartbreaking.

If someone tried it out on one of the cashouts at Bradford Morrisons- with a can of Fosters would they go to prison?

This country's really ace.

 

Jez W, Leeds,

 

Doctors apparently can ethically and legitemetally refuse to be involved with all aspects of abortion This smells simalar

 

Chris Quartly, Harpenden, uk

 

I guess Catholics can refuse to sell Condoms or a Pharmacist birth controll Pills?
What happens to the Pork, Bacon and sausages Sales.

Get a Grip .

 

Milly, Dallas, Texas USA

 

Are vegetarian staff at Sainsbury permitted to refuse to sell meat? Are tea totallers also allowed to refuse to sell alchohol?

In my local (Brixton) Sainsbury they often have signs on tills saying "cash only" - to avoid delays and embarassment, I think we should also have signs saying "no alchohol".

 

John Wilson, London, Uk

 

What happens if a customer of the store has bought bacon?. Or, has eaten bacon and breathes on the Muslim?. What happens if a vegetarian does not want to handle meat?. What happens if a Vegan oblects to egg products being used?. Pandering always gets the PC crowd to show how stupid and daft they have become.

 

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

 

I think multiculturalism should now be shown to be an illogical nonsense that effectively equates to no culture at all. This is importantly different from a diverse, tolerant AND EVEN HANDED culture which I would like to see, but a significant number of religious (and political) extremists do not.
Surely the tolerant need to intolerant of intolerance?
I also think there is a huge problem caused by the confusion of racism and being openly against certain practices of certain religions (or political ideologies). People don't have any choice over their genetic make up, whereas beliefs and ideology are things that are chosen. There is no single genetic group making up those who follow Islam (or, say, Marxism), and, at least for now, people can change their belief systems as they choose. Therefore to condemn a hijacked religious 'practice' that boils down to needlessly refusing to do your job the same as everyone else, is not a racist position to take.

 

Joe M, London,

 

Apparently most of the people posting here remember what "incrementalism" is. Alcohol now, pork in two years, allowing unaccompanied women in the queue in 5 years, allowing any women in the store in 10 years, allowing you to eat pork in 20 years, allowing you to be anything other than Muslim in 50 years. Will it happen? I don't know. No one is forcing them to live here. Couldn't they change their own country? Must they change yours (& ours) instead?

 

Craig Gorsuch, Dallas, TX, USA

 

This can only be a political move. My neighbours are practising muslims and are quite happy to receive my deliveries from the Sunday Times Wine Club while I am at work. It is unforunate that more radical elements, determined to shove their religious views on the rest of us, seem to grab the headlines. The vast majority of Muslims are not like this but they do feel intimidated by the current politcal climate. They feel unable to speak freely while their mosques, once a haven and 'community centre' for local muslims, are being highjacked by a small but well-organised (and well financed by our dependency on oil) number of radicalised and politically motivated elements willing to use threats, intimidation and violence to control the muslim population in their area. All situations such as those described in this article have to be resisted completely, to be exposed for what they are.
Ask this question - Why would a devout muslim take a job in a shop that sells alcohol?

 

Bill, Glasgow,

 

I firmly believe that if you accept a job knowing what it involves, you should be expected to honour the terms. This goes for self stacking, and any other duty which means handling and selling goods. Whether this be alcohol, or non halal meat as long as it is wrapped. Anyone who refuse to do this should be put through the correct and accepted disciplinary procedure.

The short answer seems to me to be..if you feel you can't do the job don't take it in the first place.

 

J R Smith, Bradford, West Yorkshire

 

This is despicable and should be as against company policy and treated as gross misconduct. The member of staff should be instantly dismissed. I would not tolerate being treated like this, after all, it’s the people buying the alcohol that is paying their salary. If they don’t like it they should pursue some other line of work.

 

A Hill, Hemel Hempstead,

 

Excellent news for me! As a Spaniard, I will apply for a job at Sainsbury's and then ask for a one-hour lunch break and a two-hour siesta break. If I am not granted both I will sue Sainsbury's for xenophobia!

 

Matilde, London, UK

 

Is it not true that a Company in the far East is trying to buy Sainsburys and are these muslims? I think so, so just be aware.

 

Jay, Cardigan, Wales

 

This whole topic reminded me of three poignant quotes - religion in my view is not about display and demonstration of faith. We are all faced with challenges but our own values do not need to be imposed on others. Truthful living is within ourselves alone wherever we are.

"Truth is the highest of all Virtues; but higher still is the living of Truth" - Sikhism

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." - Buddhism

"Belief is truth held in the mind; faith is a fire in the heart."

 

Nimmi Channa, Croydon, UK

 

Have you people in the UK lost your sense of national pride? Why do you grovel to these aliens who despise us no matter what we do to accommodate them? Thank God I left England for Australia years ago. If I were still in England I would feel obliged to join the BNP.

paul ingleton, brisbane,

I am glad that you are not in this country anymore - the BNP and your sought are a tired old relic of a past time - anyway - arent you an immigrant in Australia - maybe the aborigines should kick you out (and by the way - your not welcome here any more)

 

Paul S, London, UK

 

Is Sainsbury's trying to get some publicity from their "new clause" ? I have never shopped at Sainsbury's and never will I in future.

 

Mahesh Yanambakkam, Bedfordshire,

 

A very poor decision by Sainbury's. We are always being told of the differences between radical Islam and Moderate Islam. No moderate muslim would think twice about it, it's only selling the stuff not consuming it. By taking the position they have, Sainsbury's are indirectly promoting radical Islam and ALL that goes with it. I too will not be shopping in Sainsbury's again.

 

Andy, Luton, UK

 

Are catholics to be allowed not to sell condoms and vegetarians not to sell meat? This is rediculous. There should be no exceptions or they should not be employed in the first place.

 

Russell Taylor, Bonar Bridge, Ardgay, Scoptland

 

If Sainsbury has allowed its Muslim staff not to handle alcohol, I must say it is a very good decision. I am a Muslim and have worked for Sainsbury. Right now I am working for Asda and I may request them to allow us not to serve alcohol.

Muslim

 

Irfan, Nottingham, England

 

Queing is bad enough as it is. The first time I get additionally held up for this nonsense I'm dropping everything and walking out of the shop. No one is asking them to drink it for goodness sake. This is NOT a Muslim country. Yet anyway.

 

Thalia, London,

 

Where I live we often have teenagers running some of the checkouts, but it is illegal for them to sell alcohol so this kind of switchoff is not uncommon. If it is done efficiently it doesn't cause too much delay, but I'd be concerned if there were a lot of clerks refusing to sell on purely religious grounds; if there were enough of them it could cause significant delays and disruption.

 

Bruce, Raleigh, USA

 

Sack them.

Its has nothing what so ever to do there with there religion (just like wearing vile's) its just a twisted modern day belief, trying to out-religion one another.

 

Dan, London, UK

 

Constantly switching staff at the checkouts sounds like a good idea?

 

Alan, Edinburgh,

 

I am not sure it is that straightforward. Extrapolating frm 1-2 employees to all muslims is overreaction. That's the other angle to consider.

http://dailysalty.blogspot.com/2007/09/muslim-checkout-staff-get-alcohol-opt.html

 

Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta, London, UK

 

If they can not do the job fully like everyone else, SACK THEM. This is England abide by the way we live, or leave the country.

 

john Braund, bideford, uk

 

I suppose you'll have people refusing to sell condoms next... or asking if you're married first? or refusing to serve female Muslim customers not wearing a hijab - as was the case recently with a certain dentist... if people want a job, they should leave their personal preferences - and their religion - at home.

 

Marco, uk, uk

 

I used to clerk in three different stores. At any time I was free to quit that position and do something else. If you can't handle the merchandise, you need to GET ANOTHER JOB! Those who refuse to do what is required for the job need to be shown the door and told to work elsewhere. Perhaps Islam should be doing a bit of conforming to the rest of the civilized world, not vice versa.

 

Janet Fuls, Cottonwood, CA USA

 

One day historians are going to comment on this period in the history of Great Britain and the West in general, when a primitive donothing know-nothing religion seemed to fighten an advanced civilization to the point of paralysis, and will just shake their heads in utter puzzlement.

What the heck are you people in England thinking??

 

Lori, Toronto, Canada

 


I wonder what Sainsbury's would do if a member of staff refused to sell halal food because of its utter cruelty. In the current climate they'd probably be prosecuted for racism. This kind of nonsense should not be tolerated. Thankfully, it is the preserve of overzealous ignorant people who are misrepresenting their personal preferences as faith - thankfully also that their actions are criticised by other Muslim people.

 

grahame, sheffield, England

 

sainsbury's! Get a grip!

 

neil , hull, e yorks

 

Sainsbury's? Are they still in business?

 

Mi, Brighton,

 

Go and live somewhere else.
This is Britain and alcohol is part of our culture. You don't have to drink it but if you choose to work in a supermarket expect to handle it.
What next, Muslims who refuse to handle pork products, or serve women with bare arms or legs?
It is time to stop indulging this nonsense.
I won't shop in Sainsbury' s again. Their pandering to a few religious attention seekers is shameful.

 

SM, London,

 

Pandering to the insane or accommodating a member of staff? Lets face it, what choice have businesses these days. If they don't bend and do as the religious want, they'll be the brunt of a religious inspired hate campaign against them or worse! They're in a no win situation!

 

J Green, Manchester, UK

 

I am disgusted that Sainsbury's is pandering to the 'overenthusiastic' demands of a handful of Muslim employees. When applying to work as a checkout assistant, it is implicit that the job requires scanning all goods which are available in the store. If a person does not feel that they can handle certain goods because of their religion, then they should not take the job. I could not give a fig if a checkout assistant's religious sensibilities are offended by my purchases - i am the customer, and it is their job to serve me quickly and efficiently - that is what they are getting paid to do. i suggest to all the readers of this article who feel the same, and don't want Britain to be taken over by this lunacy: take your business elsewhere. Hit Sainsbury's where it hurts! This is the only way of making sure our country does not become a mental asylum.

 

RB, London, UK

 

I am a frequent shopper at sainsburys as it is my local store. i will be asking the service counter if this option is being applied in my store and if it is i will relinquish my sainsburys nectar card and refuse to shop with them anymore. . I am all for accommodating other faiths etc, but this is pushing the limits, what will they do about bacon, pork, non hallal meat, white wine sauce and all other stuff!!!!!!!! I do not consider myself in the least bit racist but I am sick to death of slowing becoming the minority in my own country. Stop this rot now.
This is a british country and we should be proud to be british and stand up for our selves.

 

A Philipson, preston, lancashire, england

 

Ten items or less lane? Cash only lane? Sharia Law lane?

What does medieval superstition have to do with my shopping?

Insanity.

Utter insanity.

 

Patrick Milne, Harrogate, UK

 

Have you people in the UK lost your sense of national pride? Why do you grovel to these aliens who despise us no matter what we do to accommodate them? Thank God I left England for Australia years ago. If I were still in England I would feel obliged to join the BNP.

 

paul ingleton, brisbane,

 

When you sign up to the job, you know what you're getting into. So why object later? May be you should be looking for an alternative job or even an alternative place to live your way? Bringing religion into the workplace is a dangerous sign... and it's surprising that Sainsbury's are accommodating such irrational behaviour - which is not a good sign in a progressive society.

 

Suresh Thangavel, Bristol, England

 

Get a life and stop moaning & whinging. If Sainsbury's don't mind then what the hell has it got to do with you? I'm not a muslim & I don't drink & I'd rather not sell poison to people!

 

Rick, Manchester,

 

At least the Muslim organistations mentioned here are finally seeing common sense. If you don't want to be in contact with alcohol you should not work at a place where alcohol is stocked.

Also it is true that a high proportion of the off-licences in Britain are owned by those of Muslim descent. They never have any problems.

 

Deepan, London, U.K

 

This is a total mockery of religion, Being a muslim i would personally understand that he is not selling the commodity but infact the employer is. And thats the case, so is he not even suppose to work for that employer. Understanding the religious belief and accomodating in such instances is very sensible for the employer and his reputation to keep in market. Well done sainsbury's if thats what you want to hear from the people (Equal Opps.)

 

Sirajjudin Kazi, Derby,

 

Sainsbury's are doing Muslims a disservice by bowing to this sort of blackmail.

I'm sure it's well intentioned, but this nonsense plays into the hands of those that would cause problems by exploiting differences.

 

Chris, Oldham, Lancs

 

I am really sick of this nonsense. This is Britain. You don't like it leave. You don't want to do your job we can find someone else to do it. I will be avoiding shopping at Sainsburys from now on. Sainsburys shows a lack of respect for our British culture.

 

neil, chessington, surrey

 

With policies like this which even Muslim organisations deem ridiculous, you have to wonder if some fat cat is laughing as he intentionally provokes the tensions of multiculturalism. As many commentators have pointed out, this'll be the tip of the iceberg -- Muslims will object to scanning pork next. At the end of the day, these prohibitions are picked at random -- I'm sure many UK Muslims are doing many 'unislamic' things all the time. It all depends on the interpretation/school of thought. So how can Sainsburys justify this? What If I decide I can no longer serve cheese on the basis of a religion that I invent? Why should a religion with more adherents be more justifiable than my own? This opens Pandora's box.... ultimately, if Mustapha is this extreme, he needs to move to Shariah-ville ASAP. I can't imagine being so selfish that I would insist on interrupting the check-out (which is laborious at the best of times!) because of some arbitrary, antiquated hang-up on alcohol.

 

Chris Wood, Manchester,

 

Right, I'm never shopping at Sainsbury's again, the queues were already getting bad, the prices are higher than elsewhere, there has been many times items have been priced incorrectly (which always means a more expensive receipt, strange that...) and their stock levels are very poor.

IT'S A RIP OFF.

 

Justin, Nr. Lincoln, UK

 

It's time we stopped pandering to religious beliefs full stop. There is nothing meritorious or noble in believing in ancient tales and traditions without any real or substatial evidence. This incident merely serves to create a rod for our own liberal backs. Sooner or later we will have Hindus refusing to sell beef, Catholics refusing to sell condoms, Jews refusing to sell pork etc. As usual religion is creating exclusivity. Where will it end? Muslim, Jewish, Catholic etc. supermarkets.

 

Oscar, London, UK

 

If Sainsbury's are happy with their decision, then i accept it..and therefore I choose to shop elsewhere, not just for booze, but all my shopping... approximately 85 pounds each week.....imagine if we all did that for..say... 3 months .....hmmm ...any takers??

 

Andy, London, UK

 

Begs the question..... what's going to happen when I hand my packet of three to a devote Catholic?!?! No fun for me at the weekend :-(

 

Lance, Crawley, UK

 

No god in the sky ever told anyone what to do or what to think. Religious cults do this. Once again we British have to submit to their laws. It is an insult to us not to serve us with what we want to buy. Are they going to dictate what we eat next? This should be stopped. This is not an Islamic country and if we do not nip this in the bud we will have lost our country forever.

 

carol heale , kidderminster, worcester

 

I work in Electricity and Gas transmission. Maybe I should boycot certain aspects of my job because some of the electrons that we channel down our lines are used to power abbatoirs that practice halaal (something I morally disagree with). I doubt my employer would be so understanding.

 

Shane, Guildford, England

 

The answer is simple. Boycott Sainsburys until they change such a stupid policy.

P.S. well done to the Muslim leaders who have spoken out and said this is nonsense.

 

Russ, Reading, UK

 

When living in the Arabian Gulf, Muslims who worked in hotels, establishments, supermarkets that sold pork or alcohol products had no problem whatsoever serving non-Muslims.

I think certain sections of the Muslim community in Britain are trying to make a show of how pious and religious they are. They are trying to "out-Muslim" even the Arabs, who were the original Muslims. The same happened in the Gulf when you had British Muslims who worked there.

Life is not about making a show for other people. Rather, go about your business, religion etc in a quiet and private way.

The only alternative is, if you don't like Britain or the decadent West, move to an Islamic country or one where there is Sharia.

 

Tariq Al-Tajer, Bayswater, London, UK

 

Inane. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

 

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

 

Once again the acts of a few are being used to represent a whole religious population. I am a muslim who has worked in a Tesco for many years and never once have come across this situation before, but as soon as one muslim makes a wrong decision it's the whole religion who's to blame. It's a shame that so many of the commenters are not intelligent enough to identify how small an issue this is. Let me help you out , idiots who use their religion to get out of work is stupid but not a major threat to normal british society (simply sack them if they wish to make such stupid requests). What is a threat to society is the people not being able to look around them and judge for themselves instead of using certain rightwing media for their opinions.

 

Deen, London,

 

I suppose the ideal would be for us to live in separate communities. We could have boundaries which we would call borders, and the communities,well, they could be called countries.

 

Eugene, Chester, England

 

John from London says its "Absolutely ridiculous. I can't believe shops are putting up with this crap"

After the recent cases of religious intolerance would anyone risk their business over the threat of a religious boycott for the simple matter of not allowing the religious to have their own way?

 

J Green, Manchester, UK

 

I fully appreciate Muslim's reluctance to sell certain items. To avoid such issues, I have not set foot inside a Muslim owned store since 9/11 - problem solved!

 

Colin Soames, London,

 

Mustapha should be sacked as should the management. This is a gross abuse of the religious tolerance and will only lead to intolerance. What if "Mustapha" then objects to a young ladies dress, does he refuse to sell to her or because someone is Jewish etc etc.

I personally find outward signs of a person religion as offensive, how will Sainsburys accomodate an employee with similar views?

 

Steven Katirai, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

 

Surey if you take a job in a Supermarket you would realise that you will have to handle in some form either alcohol and probably more importantly if you are of that mind set non Hala meat, as previous posters have noted what next, refusal to scan bacon, pork etc. Sainsburys are doing nobody any favours by adopting this policy, if anything they are stoking the debate, by pandering to what can only be called religious opertunists.
Can you imagine the chaos at Xmas time, these employees will in effect be getting paid for doing nothing!
I'm afraid I would probably take the view already stated and take by busness else where.

 

Gary, Yarm, UK

 

I think Mr Siddiqui hit the nail on the head.

Both the supermarket and the individual should reconsider their respective positions.
Some common sense please otherwise where will this behaviour end?

Please do not inconvenience your customers, for a personal issue. I would hope in a busy or pressing situation the individual would relax such views.

The employee should not really be placed or employed on a checkout or in a position/job which he feels uncomfortable with. Redundancy probably beckons if no other positions can be found.

 

sm, London, UK

 

Blood makes me sick but I work in a school where children fall over. Can I now refuse to deal with their injuries?

 

judy, Liverpool, england

 

So.......Mustapha says he can't sell alcohol because it's Ramadan, but he happily sells food. Surely he should not have such a job at all at the moment.

 

Amanda H, Doncaster/Dubai, UK/UAE

 

This is simply ridiculous. The managements and government are bowing to a minute minority and in the process justufying their warped interpretation of religious scriptures.
Am I to believe the Duty Free shops in Islamic countries are manned by non muslims?
Will all the Muslim management run hotels stop serving alcohol?
Tomorrow will it be extrapolated to NHS with Doctors of afith having opportunity to raise their arm and say no to treating a guy who has consumed alcohol?
I am sure majority muslims in this country will be ashamed to be associated with this development.
By paying lip service to a minority amongst the minority the government and managements are stfling the voices of moderate majority in this religion.
Disgusting.

 

K Prasad, Ayr,

 

I live in Dubai, and am regularly served pork alchol, etc by Muslims in a Muslim country

 

Mike, Dubai, UAE

 

Ridiculous. In line with the muslims refusing to wash their hands with surgical scrub when entering hospital wards and undermining campaigns against MRSA and C. diff.

The Koran is clear that muslims should not CONSUME alcohol. Mustapha is not selling alcohol. Sainsburys' are. Mustapha is a till boy. Will he carry on for the rest of the year after Ramadan refusing to handle bacon, ham and pork chops? The Koran is clear on that... unlike alcohol pork is unclean and Mustapha should not handle it under any circumstances and go and wash seven times with water each time he is "contaminated" by it.

I would say that the man's religious principles preclude him from doing his job properly. He should be helped and encouraged to find another job.

 

Paolo Bagarino, Roma, Italy

 

What about pork and products containing pork products? What about magazines and newspapers that may contain images to which an individual objects? What about images on any packaging that could be complained about? Basically, what extent do you go to to accommodate an individuals possible extreme views??

 

gareth flint, london,

 

What will happen next...muslims only tills? Muslims only cash-points? Muslims only buses? Once started, where will it stop?

 

Manjinder, Dudley, UK

 

Will I be served if I have some lamb chops, roll-on deoderant or mouthwash? What would happen if I'm at the till and I've bought a ready cooked meal or cook-in-sauce that has some wine in it?

I ask because the lamb will not be 'Halal' and therefore by definition must be 'Haram', some roll-ons and mouthwashes contain alcohol.

Christmas should be a laugh and a half if we have to wait for till staff to be swapped about.


 

christo, London,

 

this country counties to head down a very dangerous path of accommodating too many cultures, beliefs and religions. We are British and a Christian country and therefore the majority should abide by the laws and traditions of this land i.e. a land where alcohol has been consumed and sold for thousands of years.

 

stuart Farquharson, london,

 

I wonder if he and his fellow workers would have the same objection if they worked in a concern owned by their own families which sold alcohol? I have yet to find a convenience store owned and operated by people from ethnic minorities which does not sell alcohol. Do they object to selling or handling mouthwashes or gripe water?
However, it is encouraging to read that the director of the Muslim Institute condemns this "overenthusiasm".
What will Sainsbury's do when an employee refuses to sell pork (more to the point, why is it sold at Tescos), beef, or products which contain these or other meats? Of course we would require a sufficient number of 'overenthusiastic' jews, hindus or sikh employees for this to occur.

 

Bill Q, Derby,

 

if they are not going to serve the British public,with the goods ,that they wish to purchase,then they should find employment,els ware.if it ever happens to me.i Will just leave the all the items,at the cash desk,and shop some where else.

 

david cross, bournemouth, dorset

 

At last some senior Muslim leaders speaking with common sense. What next, Catholic supermarket staff refusing to sell condoms and birth control devices or Jewish workers refusing to sell the customer a pork pie??
Lets hope these two leaders that are mentioned are emulated by others, not just on this issue but wider ranging far more serious issues of religious tolerance and understanding.

 

Rory Wiltshire, Maidenhead, Berks,UK

 

This is crazy. PC beyond belief.

I wonder what religion most open all hours corner shop keepers are? Bound to be a good proporton of muslims there -will they refuse to serve or handle acohol as well? Can't see that happening at all.

MB

 

Mark Bullen, Kiama Downs, NSW Aus

 

what about pork? are they going to refuse to handle that next... i agree that too much accomodation is only going to result in more resentment...

Baraq Shehab....

 

Baraq Shehab , Sassenheim, Netherlands

 

Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol, only If it can help with health related matters. Muslims are also allowed to consume alcohol related medication. The word 'alcohol' is itself of Arabic descent. These employee's are definitely overenthusiastic.

 

Mohammed, London, UK

 

Absolutely ridiculous. I can't believe shops are putting up with this crap

 

john, London, England

 

This is ridiculous. If you have an objection to part of a job, then you should not apply for that job in the first place. If I go to work tomorow and claim to have a deep felt reason to only attend the office 3 hours a day, do you think they'll let me go home early? No, well what about if I come up with some superstitious reasoning for it, will it work then?

Mark Allen, Nottingham,