STORE: Duck a possible lawsuit

For almost 40 years, commuting between Spokane and our Twin Lakes cabin, we would buy car and boat gas, oil, refreshments, supplies, and ice cream at a store in Rathdrum. After the owner hung flowered baskets, my husband, who is 6’5”, cracked his head several times on the one that hangs right outside the exit door. He politely requested that the one that created a safety hazard for all tall customers be removed. The owner pompously told him that he got compliments on the hanging baskets, and business was going great. My husband hasn’t been back since.

On Wednesday, I stopped in to buy iced tea, and mentioned that conversation to the owner. He quickly acknowledged that he remembered, and flippantly and rudely made it quite clear that his “profit margin has been great” and equally clear that our safety concerns weren’t of interest, and our patronage meant nothing to him. I have to admit I was shocked at his arrogant rudeness — and snide smile. As I exited, I commented that I wouldn’t be back either and he said that was just great, and gleefully repeated that he was making lots of money.

Just spreading the word for any tall persons, as well as anyone who might think that customer safety should be more important than profit. According to International Building Code standards 1002 and 1003, with which Idaho must comply, egress must be unobstructed both vertically and horizontally, and vertically no less than 7 feet. This store is out of compliance, and would lose in any civil suit.

PAM INDAHL

Spokane and Twin Lakes