Consider it a loss prevention and safety measure.
An independent pharmacy operator in New York State took the unusual step of posting signs at the entrances of his two stores advising people wearing sunglasses and hats or hoodies to remove them before entering the store. What could be the reason for this unusual signage? A couple of armed robberies in the area were carried out by an individual wearing sunglasses and a head covering.
The number of pharmacy robberies has exploded in recent years as more and more people become addicted to prescription painkillers. Some stores now post signs that they no longer stock the meds on-premises while others are considering the need to hire security guards.
Dan Bosley, who owns Cornerstone Drug and Gifts and Keesville Pharmacy in Rouses Point, NY, said not all customers are happy about being asked by store staff to remove their glasses and hats or hoodies when coming to his stores.
"I am telling my regular customers ... who come in with baseball hats and sunglasses on to be prepared to remove them," he told the Press-Republican. "At this point, you don't have the right to be wearing this stuff in my stores."
Mr. Bosley said he felt compelled to take the step to protect his employees.
"(They) become like family, and a threat against them is a threat to your family," he told the Press-Republican. "It's really scary. I worry about it every day."
Most locals, however, seem to okay with Mr. Bosley's shopper dress code.
"I really don't think it's a big deal if it's going to make everybody feel safer, why not?" Maria Canty, a Cornerstone shopper, told WDAF-TV.