Swedish store manager pushes for easier customer exclusion orders

Peter Sjölander, manager of the Asecs retail outlet in Jönköping and former Clas Ohlson store manager, says that existing rules for obtaining a tillträdesförbud (exclusion order) against customers who threaten staff or commit repeated theft are too restrictive. So far his store has secured only one order despite filing several applications. A state‑commissioned investigation has proposed expanding the scope of exclusion orders to cover more public venues and allowing police to grant temporary bans on‑site for up to four weeks. Sjölander welcomes the suggestion, arguing that faster, simpler procedures would improve safety for retail workers and deter repeat offenders.

The proposed changes aim to give businesses stronger tools to protect staff while reducing the administrative burden of current applications.