Link: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/aldi-bans-elderly-man-wife-32798240
Credit: Ben Haslam and Alex Hickey 16:12, 02 Nov 2025 Updated 16:17, 02 Nov 2025
Archive: https://archive.li/wip/IGnAq
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A pensioner and his wife have been banned from their local Aldi after allegedly being 'abusive' to staff, although the couple insist they've done nothing wrong. Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65 respectively, were doing their monthly grocery shop on October 4 when the incident occurred at the checkout.
The couple, who have been regulars at the Washington Parade store in Bootle for around a decade, say they often buy in bulk. When doing so, they typically unload one item of anything they're buying in large quantities and inform the cashier how many they have.
However, when asked to unpack their entire trolley, Anthony, who suffers from osteoarthritis, refused.
Anthony, who met his wife in South Africa before moving to Merseyside, said: "The member of staff demanded that we had to empty the trolley. She said she couldn't see what was in the trolley so I said she needed to go to Specsavers.
"If she could not see what was in the trolley she needs glasses," the Liverpool Echo reported.
"The manager then came over and took the trolley from us and told us to leave the store. I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things but there I had put a pound in the trolley so I went back in and I asked for the pound back."
While Anthony admits he got into a disagreement with the staff member, Aldi alleges that the couple became verbally abusive towards their employees.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain clarified that it is standard policy for all items to be scanned at the till for accuracy, a common practice in most supermarkets.
Aldi on Washington Parade in Bootle (Image: Liverpool Echo)
The spokesperson acknowledged that store staff were not aware of Anthony's back problem but assured that Aldi always strives to support customers with additional assistance where possible.
The spokesperson said: "Our colleagues work hard to provide great customer service, and we don't tolerate any form of abusive behaviour in our stores.
"In line with our policy, all products must be scanned through the till at point of sale, however, our colleagues are always happy to assist customers who may need a little extra help."
Anthony said: "I am very old school. I'm old enough to have been brought up in a very different era, an era where you do not swear in front of women.
"We are embarrassed and we are incensed by it, that is why we came to the ECHO. We have shopped there since the store opened and now we are travelling three or four miles to get our shopping."
During the heated exchange in the Bootle store, Anthony admitted that when security intervened, he said "get your f*****g hands off me" as he was worried about losing his balance.
The couple added: "We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi."
However, it is understood the couple remain barred from the store.
Credit: Ben Haslam and Alex Hickey 16:12, 02 Nov 2025 Updated 16:17, 02 Nov 2025
Archive: https://archive.li/wip/IGnAq
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A pensioner and his wife have been banned from their local Aldi after allegedly being 'abusive' to staff, although the couple insist they've done nothing wrong. Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65 respectively, were doing their monthly grocery shop on October 4 when the incident occurred at the checkout.
The couple, who have been regulars at the Washington Parade store in Bootle for around a decade, say they often buy in bulk. When doing so, they typically unload one item of anything they're buying in large quantities and inform the cashier how many they have.
However, when asked to unpack their entire trolley, Anthony, who suffers from osteoarthritis, refused.
Anthony, who met his wife in South Africa before moving to Merseyside, said: "The member of staff demanded that we had to empty the trolley. She said she couldn't see what was in the trolley so I said she needed to go to Specsavers.
"If she could not see what was in the trolley she needs glasses," the Liverpool Echo reported.
"The manager then came over and took the trolley from us and told us to leave the store. I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things but there I had put a pound in the trolley so I went back in and I asked for the pound back."
While Anthony admits he got into a disagreement with the staff member, Aldi alleges that the couple became verbally abusive towards their employees.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain clarified that it is standard policy for all items to be scanned at the till for accuracy, a common practice in most supermarkets.
Aldi on Washington Parade in Bootle (Image: Liverpool Echo)
The spokesperson acknowledged that store staff were not aware of Anthony's back problem but assured that Aldi always strives to support customers with additional assistance where possible.
The spokesperson said: "Our colleagues work hard to provide great customer service, and we don't tolerate any form of abusive behaviour in our stores.
"In line with our policy, all products must be scanned through the till at point of sale, however, our colleagues are always happy to assist customers who may need a little extra help."
Anthony said: "I am very old school. I'm old enough to have been brought up in a very different era, an era where you do not swear in front of women.
"We are embarrassed and we are incensed by it, that is why we came to the ECHO. We have shopped there since the store opened and now we are travelling three or four miles to get our shopping."
During the heated exchange in the Bootle store, Anthony admitted that when security intervened, he said "get your f*****g hands off me" as he was worried about losing his balance.
The couple added: "We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi."
However, it is understood the couple remain barred from the store.
