[gondramB]

"There is no right to refuse to allow a store to search bags and expect to enter that store. How did you come up with your belief that there is?"

We are actually talking about exiting, not entering. As you point out, you don't have to be searched on the way in but they don't have to let you in - that's why I won't go to Six Flags over Georgia - I object to them searching my wife's purse.

But I don't think it is legal to put those restrictions on being allowed to leave. unless they have caught you in the middle of a crime then they risk false imprisonment charges.

In fact an innocent's person's best response to store hassles is to be the one to say "I want to get an on duty polieman involved - I believe you are committing a crime."

[justshutupandtakeit]

Checking bags on exit is common procedure and stores have the right to do it. Almost all post their rules though many don't search. When shopping stores with things of high value and small size it would be foolhardy and disastrous to the bottom line not too. Some stores offer the alternative to check your bags upon entrance but that is when the exit is right next to the case registers.