I noticed twice in recent weeks that the Foodlion on South Blvd. in Charlotte was not unlocking the main doors during operating hours in the morning.  One morning it was 7:35 am and the doors were not open and they had two barricades in front of the door.  The first time a few days before a customer was trying to get out and I was trying to enter around 7:15 am.   She threw her arms up and when I passed her going out the other doors she said I don't know why the door is locked.     When I entered there was no cashiers visible which was strange.  Finally someone popped up from behind the customer service counter.   I said are you aware the main front doors are locked.   She replied, "Oh yes we don't unlock them until we get another cashier."    

There are no other doors on that front side of the store to exit during an emergency.  I was pretty sure this was not legal to have the door locked.     I called 311 and according to the Fire Marshall it is illegal to have doors locked during hours they are open to public.    Not only that it is also illegal to barricade the doors.     

The fire marshall told me to call him if I see this happening again.   He also contacted the store management and told them to stop locking the doors during business hours.   

I suspect now they are doing this in the late evenings.   Reason early this morning on my way to Planet Fitness I noticed that same door was blocked from the inside with newspaper type wire stands.    

If you are in the store during business hours and they are open, the doors are locked or blocked call 311 and request the Fire Marshall. .  

Foodlion is putting their shoppers in danger by not ensuring the doors are open for a quick exit during an emergency.

In this case their cheapness to not have two cashiers during all hours is putting their customers in danger.    

They have been warned to STOP doing this already by officials.