Espoo grocery store limits students to two at a time

A grocery store in Espoo is allowing only two students inside at a time after reports of disruptive behaviour, Yle reported. A notice at the entrance to K-Market Liila, in the Suomenoja district, explains the restriction.

Students interviewed by Yle said they had seen some young people steal goods, shout, cause a disturbance and make a mess in the shop. They also described groups making noise inside and gathering outside. The students said the behaviour can disturb staff and make other customers feel uneasy.

Many students visit the shop to buy energy drinks and snacks. Some said the limit can make it harder to shop quickly, including when they are in a hurry to get to class. They also said it was unfair for well-behaved students to be affected by the actions of others.

K-Market Liila’s owner declined to comment. Kesko’s head of security, Petri Käyhkö, told Yle that restricting entry may be justified in individual cases when disruptive behaviour is repeated. He said efforts are made to address problems locally with authorities or schools.

Omnia education consortium’s director of vocational studies, Kari Mäenpää, said he did not know exactly what had happened at the shop and that its owner had not contacted him. He said disruptive behaviour among new students was familiar from previous years, particularly in autumn, and could involve seeking attention or trying to impress others. Omnia discusses appropriate conduct in working life as part of its studies, he said, adding that he expected the situation to settle as students found their place.