In Schaerbeek, customers of Delhaize Chazal denounce the imposition of fines for forgetting self-scans, which could reach up to 250 euros. Since it became duty-free in April, several customers have complained about administrative sanctions for unscanned items, raising questions about the legality of this practice, we read in the columns of RTL.
Vincent, a regular at the store, says: “For an unscanned 50 cent bag, they asked for 250 euros. We sometimes pay in cash, sometimes by phone. The customers let it happen, they are afraid of the police. This often happens for minor oversights like a bag or an unweighed tomato. » He adds that staff monitor customers without warning them, waiting for them to pass through the gate before checking them and threatening to call the police if the fine is not paid.
He tries to leave the Delhaize store, in Marcinelle, with chocolate bars that he stole
Other testimonials on the internet confirm these practices. One customer paid 50 euros for forgetting to scan a bag, while another had to pay 250 euros after 30 years of loyalty to the store. Some worry that these payments leave no trace, often being made in cash.
When questioned, store management affirms that fines are only applied in cases of serious negligence, such as a large number of items not scanned, and assures that everything complies with the “internal regulations” displayed at the entrance. . The store also denies accusations of payments without receipts.
Audrey Dereymacker, spokesperson for the Brussels-North police, explains that these fines come under civil law: by entering the store, the customer implicitly accepts these rules. However, questions arise about the legality of this practice. Test-Achats and the FPS Justice criticize the lack of clarity of the regulation, deeming the clauses unfair and the legality questionable. If a complaint is filed, only a judge can decide.
