I was pushed and thrown out of the area: Clarification from My Step deputy

Arman Yeghoyan, a deputy from the My Step faction in the National Assembly, has provided clarifications regarding an incident that occurred yesterday at the "Ashtarak Canyon" restaurant complex. Yeghoyan wrote on his Facebook page:

“Dear compatriots,

Yesterday, I experienced an unfortunate incident while trying to spend my Sunday with my friend at the "Ashtarak Canyon" restaurant complex. Without delving into the quality of service and food, I would like to address the aggressive behavior displayed by the individual identified as Razmik Abgaryan, the director of the restaurant complex.

After settling the bill and receiving my change, I noticed that the employee did not provide a cash register receipt. I asked the server for clarification on why customers are not given a receipt after receiving their change. The server suggested I discuss the matter with the manager of the complex.

Before approaching the manager, the server printed and handed me the receipt. When speaking with the manager, I inquired why customers are not given a receipt. He responded that they are not obligated to provide it and that they do print the receipts. He told me that if I have complaints, I can report them to the relevant authorities, who would come and check that all receipts have been printed. In response to my explanation that he is nevertheless obliged to provide the receipt to customers after receiving payment, rather than verbally assuring me that they always print receipts and suggesting I file a complaint, Razmik Abgaryan began to exhibit openly disrespectful and aggressive behavior. When my friend attempted to photograph his behavior, the same server tried to prevent her.

When I noted that Armenian legislation does not prohibit filming in public places, the manager said he was not interested and concurrently began questioning who I am and what I have done for this country, among other things. I replied that I am an ordinary citizen of Armenia and demand that he provide receipts for all payments to customers. He started pushing me, trying to throw me out of the area, and then began looking for phone numbers to call, saying that I would see what would happen to me now. He maintained an aggressive stance, using profanity and displaying clearly hooligan behavior. Eventually, he called the police to request that a response team come to the scene. The team arrived, I presented the situation, and I formally introduced myself to the police, after which we went to the police station and recounted everything.

I believe that both the police and the tax authorities need to take such citizens and businesses very seriously. I don’t know who instilled such confidence in them that they can act arrogantly when speaking with citizens and so blatantly violate public order.”