A specific offence should be created against assaulting retail workers who are doing their job.
Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has launched the Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2024.
It would create specific offences for assaulting or threatening retail workers carrying out their employment.
Senator Byrne told Breakfast Briefing some people can get 'seriously violent' with workers.
"It's unfortunate that we ever need pieces of legislation like this," he said.
"But I think most of your listeners will be aware that retail workers are often placed under a lot of pressure and in some cases customers have been known to physically assault [and] get seriously violent with retail staff.
"Some of the abuse they receive is often misogynistic and racist."
File photo shows a man stealing in a supermarket. Image: Andriy Popov / AlamySenator Byrne said retail workers are often acting on behalf of the State.
"Often they're carrying out functions that we as a Government, as the State, require them to do such as age verification," he said.
"We've seen where retail workers would challenge somebody who is potentially shoplifting within the store.
"We've been inspired by legislation in Scotland, which is working quite well, which is making it an aggravated offence where you attack a retail workers carrying out their duty".
'Criminal sanction'
Senator Byrne said the offence could be on top of existing legislation around assault.
"This is a criminal sanction so it is a case that a prosecution would have to happen," he said.
"Most stores now have to have CCTV [and] that evidence would be provided.
"If it meets the threshold where... if somebody is being seriously abusive or the customer gets in the retail workers face and engages in shouting in misogynistic or racist abuse that then would be taken to court.
"It can be regarded as an aggravated offence; and on top of any other charges an individual may face, we're proposing that there could be a sentence of up to 12 months and/or €1,000 fine".
Shoplifting
Senator Byrne said he hopes the change could be brought in on its own or as part of reforming the anti-social behaviour system.
"We know we've also got to tackle shoplifting which... since COVID has gone through the roof," he said.
"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime - the margins for a lot of retail outlets are quite small.
"This is about turning the tide, if you like, against thugs who go into retail outlets and in favour of the small business and retail workers".
Senator Byrne added that Scotland introduced similar legislation back in 2001 which has seen an increase in reporting and prosecutions.
