Fish and Chip Shop Owner Addresses Inappropriate Review Comment

An owner of a business has received commendation for confronting an online reviewer’s unsuitable remark concerning a female delivery employee. The review, posted for Robinson’s Traditional Fish & Chips, located close to Trowbridge, Wiltshire, stated: “Really hot food always great from Robinsons also hot delivery girl.” The establishment’s response was: “Thanks for the kind review of the food, we will make sure a male delivers your food from now on.” Philip Robinson, the owner, commented: “It can seem harmless, but we have to set boundaries with incidents like this.” Speaking to BBC Wiltshire, Mr Robinson mentioned he has a partner and a sister and “would want their employers to act the same”. He further stated: “I wouldn’t want them to feel uncomfortable.” The proprietor of the family-operated establishment learned about the review after the shop’s manager sent him a text message, informing him it had been initially published on the online delivery service Just Eat and subsequently shared on Facebook. He clarified that he felt obligated to reply, stating: “I feel like that should be normal. “I’m sure it was a harmless compliment but we have to set boundaries, and the staff, they need to come into work feeling safe and know that they’re not going to be subject to any harassment.” Mr Robinson remarked: “As a small business owner we need our customers to return and I hope that hasn’t put him off ordering from us again, but… that’s just the person I am, if I see something that is making someone uncomfortable, I’ll always call it out. Staff safety is paramount to us.” Mr Robinson expressed confidence that the occurrence would not recur, but also stated: “If that does happen again, we do have the logs and either myself or the manager of the shop will make sure that is delivered to them without any fuss.” Fiona Oliver, representing the Wiltshire Community Foundation, which initiated a Women and Girls Fund this year, commented: “We applaud the response from Robinson’s for standing up for their employee.” The joint chief executive further stated: “Harassment, stereotyping, and discrimination targeted towards women and girls happens far too often and is frequently referred to as harmless banter. “The impact of such behaviour can really affect victims. She concluded: “We must not shy away from talking about these matters and calling out inappropriate behaviour.” The charitable organization is organizing a male allyship event on 22 November, aimed at increasing awareness of gender inequality and discrimination.