Publix Beard Petition Continues To Grow Support

LAKELAND, FL — An online petition created by a Florida college student last year on a quest to get Publix Supermarkets to rethink its beard policy is continuing to grow support.

Kicked off by Brandon Wesley, the petition had 8,047 signatures of a desired 9,000 back in June 2015. Fast forward to April 2016, and Wesley’s petition has gained 14,168 signatures toward a new goal set at 15,000. That petition was also expected to be brought up during a Publix shareholders’ meeting in Lakeland on Tuesday.

“I want Publix Super Markets to review its dress code on facial hair policy, which will also allow them to look at the other dress code policies in affect that may need modernizing (hair length, earrings policy, etc.),” Wesley wrote on Coworker.org. “I believe that the majority of the people I work with at Publix also believe that we should be allowed to have some facial hair besides only a mustache.”

Wesley’s not against setting limits on beard length and requiring beard nets for those who work with food, the petition noted. It also pointed out that Publix’s GreenWise markets do allow beards.

“As someone who works here and shave(s) every morning it sucks,” wrote petition signer Jared Y. He went on to say he’s been told “to go pay for some razors and shave on lunch or go home. Hoping this rule is changed so those of us can have a neatly trimmed beard and not be told we can’t work that day.”

“I am a recent hire at Publix and had a short beard (3-4 days growth) that was nicely groomed and I can no longer have the beard I have had for many years,” wrote Chris G. on the petition. “I feel that this is an antiquated policy that needs to be updated. Facial hair does not determine whether a person is professional or not, the way they interact with customers and coworkers does.”

Publix does allow mustaches, but beards are strictly off limits.

Customers of the store, which is often ranked among the nation’s best in consumer satisfaction, also seem to be brushed the wrong way by the policy.

“Wake up Publix,” wrote Brady T. “I’m a bearded customer. Don’t insult us by implying beards aren’t clean or acceptable when tastefully maintained.”

It is unclear at this time if Publix will revise its policy.

To check out the petition, visit coworker.org.

What do you think about the policy? Let us know by commenting below!

Patch file photo