In London this time last year I was asked to leave the 'Build-A-Bear' store on Regent Street because I apparently made a "deliberate attempt" to operate the stuffing machine.  It was then claimed that I 'vindictively mocked' their employee by 'laughing at her' when she suggested I was a OH&S risk, and later that I attempted to light a cigarette in the 'accessories' section, in violation of the Health Act (2007).  Additionally it was also claimed that when 'confronted'  I 'admitted' to being heavily intoxicated, and as an (accumulating) result, Build-A-Bear acted within their rights to refuse to sell me the bear that I had created.

Needless to say this was a disturbing abuse of power on behalf of several employees of B.a.B and Head Office, and their later claims (paraphrased from an emailed response dated 14/7/2011) were slanderous.  I took particular issue with the fact that it was actually my friend Charlotte who lit up in the accessories section, and that they actively differentiate between sober and intoxicated customers (something that strikes me as invasive and discriminatory). 

I also take offence at the suggestion that I admitted to being drunk, as if to imply that I was somehow ashamed of being intoxicated.  In reality, when caught 'operating the stuffing machine' I offered the fact that I was drunk as an explanation as to why I was playing with the said stuffing machine (and also laughing hysterically with my friend).  The admission was not centred on me being drunk, and to contextualise it that way is to make a moral judgement on my character.

Since this time I have been in regular contact with Build-A-Bear UK, in an attempt to claim my original creation.  But I am yet to receive my 'Champ IV Ted' style Bear, with  its unique combination outfit of the 'blue ice skater outfit 2' and the 'highlander costume 6', with the red bow tie from the tuxedo outfit 4', and the 'tall strap leather look boots' in black. 

Shortly before it was 'removed from sale' I had given it the gender neutral name of 'Evelyn'.

I consider this uniquely dressed bear to be my own intellectual property and would like it returned to me along with an apology on behalf of the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Regent Street, London (my friend Charlotte would also like an apology, she didn't make a bear though).

Build-A-Bear claims in their motto that their Workshops are 'Where Best Friends Are Made'. 

I ****** disagree.

Your workshops are where good people (who walk in the rain all the way from Selfridges because they couldn't get a cab) have their new best friend (literally) snatched away from them by a demeaning shop girl with a thick northern accent and an unfriendly manner, only to then be 'escorted' by a (curiously short) Bengali security guard who poked at our waists until we were at least ten metres down Regent Street (totally inappropriate).

I'd appreciate it if you would sign my petition.

I couldn't bring Evelyn home, but 'people power' could.

cheers guys