No Return of the Jedi at Bangor Tesco store after hood row

Daniel Jones, founder of the international Church of Jediism, claims he was victimised over his beliefs by staff during the incident.
 

But store bosses say the no hood policy is clearly advertised as a policy to cut down on shoplifting.
 

After being approached by one member of staff and asked to remove the hood, Daniel claims that the store manager got involved.
 

He said: “The manager and security were being patronising upon questioning my belief.
 

“I felt victimised, this was a total act of discrimination, the staff where arrogant and totally not understanding.”
 

Daniel, who is launching a new website at www.churchofjediism.tk, added: “The policy needs to be looked at properly and the staff and company need to understand that in the UK the constitution of Great Britain says that every man has the right to practice aset of beliefs.
 

“It was absolutely unacceptable since there were other persons shopping in hooded garments with no question of religion from the store staff.”
 

Daniel also explained that he would not be re-visiting the store unless a policy change was instigated.
 

He added: “I would like to believe that they will accept it and I can go back to the store but if there policy is religious bigotry and victimisation and discrimination, then no.”
 

However, the supermarket giants say that the removal of headwear and hoods is store policy and is clearly sign posted.
 

A spokesperson from Tesco said: “Jedi are very welcome to shop in our stores, although we would ask them to remove their hoods.
 

“Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Luke Skywalker all appeared hoodless without ever turning to the Dark Side, and we are only aware of the Emperor as one who never removed his hood.
 

“If Jedi walk around our stores with their hoods on, they’ll miss lots of special offers.”