Why Aldi Banned Pensioner Couple: True Story, Rules & Customer Reactions

Aldi Banned Couples from their supermarket in Bootle, UK, after a checkout argument shocked local regulars and went viral on social media. This article explains why the couple received a ban, the official Aldi policy, and what customers should know before they go shopping.

Aldi Ban News: Couple Asked To Leave Over Checkout Rules

Retail workers Anthony and Regina Taylor (75 and 65 years old respectively) are used to shopping at their local Aldi store, making large grocery purchases, and would unload just one item for check-out while telling the cashier how many were in the cart. When a store employee told them they had to empty the cart, Anthony, who suffers from arthritis, was adamant he would not be able to due to his condition. They were subsequently asked to leave by the manager. Now they have to drive miles to do their grocery shopping as they feel humiliated by the experience. 

What Aldi Said: Store Policy & Customer Service

Aldi supplied a statement explaining all items must be scanned through check-out as a safeguard from mistakes, and that is especially relevant with bulk purchases. Aldi confirmed their employees did not know about Mr. Taylor's arthritis, however, they stated that help is always available for people with medical conditions- if only the customer discussed their needs with the store's employee. Before we begin, I want to make it clear: Aldi has very fixed store policies, including a zero-tolerance policy for abusive language or actions. They report that this couple was verbally aggressive towards staff and subsequently took action based on the established store policies. The store also encourages customers to ask for additional assistance when needed, and they attempt to ensure rules in store are the same for everyone so all customers can shop fairly.

Why Aldi Bans Customers: 2025 Policy Update

Aldi is banning customers for the following reasons:

• Abusive or aggressive behavior towards staff
• Repeatedly breaking store policies
• Concerns for the safety of customers and/or employees

This is to ensure that all customers feel safe in the store and to keep store policies clearly communicated. Most supermarkets also have store policies on customer verification at checkout, staff safety, and well-being.

Customer Experiences: Shopper Stories & Social Reactions

Some online shoppers commented about similar experiences, and many complimented Aldi helpful staff. While others caught the attention of staff in checkout disputes.  Some tips and suggestions presented by authors suggest:

• Be clear about your health needs.
• During disagreements stay calm and polite.
• If you are not certain about the policy, ask the staff before getting in line.

A user @MHA0582 wrote on X: "I've read the article, honestly I think a, lot of @AldiUK staff and managers need to go back and learn about how to treat people,"

I've read the article, honestly I think a, lot of @AldiUK staff and managers need to go back and learn about how to treat people, honestly I'm actually quite shocked by this too

🤗💚🤗💚 pic.twitter.com/yakx0fAobu

— 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🇮🇪 🆂🆃🅴🆅🅴 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🇮🇪 (@MHA0582) November 2, 2025

Image/Thumbnail Credit: Mirror.co.uk