Business owners often fib when it comes to their “rights” and “authority.” Two prime examples are seen on signs in businesses so frequently customers believe these to be true:

CLAIM: We reserve the right to refuse service to any person for any reason.

FALSE: This is exactly why we have anti-discrimination laws. And business owners don’t have this “right” to “reserve.” It’s not a real thing and the claim is nonsense.

CLAIM: Shoplifters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

FALSE: A business owner can’t make the decision on who is and isn’t prosecuted. This is the authority of the district attorney. And whatever “full extent of the law” is, it’s sure not some absolute standard.

So enter a new realm of “business rights.” Wear a mask and show a vaccine passport or you won’t be allowed. Have no delusions on this one, these “business rights” are already being challenged and court filings have already begun. Here’s the rub: “Business rights” aren’t a thing in trumping constitutionally guaranteed human rights. The Constitution doesn’t include a “Business Bill of Rights.”

So the legal wrangling ahead is going to make for excellent spectator sport. And business owners who proclaim “My business, my rules” … well, don’t be so certain of that.