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In a retail store the manager has instructed employees to lock the door when the store has closed, even if customers are still inside. This is to prevent more customers from entering. Is locking the door with customers inside legal? To be clear it is an ordinary lock with the non key side being on the inside (i.e. the customers could let themselves out).
Who would handle such complaints?
The customers are able to leave, so there's no reason it could be a crime. Even if they weren't able to operate the lock themselves, they are presumably able to leave by asking a staff member. There is no way this could be remotely considered false imprisonment.
Depending on the layout and size of the store and presence/lack of other fire exits, this might violate fire safety regulations.
In at least dorm jurisdictions, laws require be unlocked while customers are inside. This is a safety issue, so that peoplke wioll nort be trapped inside in the event of a fire or other emergency. Such laws were in many cases inspired by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, in 1911. In that case exit doors were locked, and some 146 workers died in the fire.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Places restrictions on door locks in commercial buildings, so that disabled customers are able to exit safely. See '"Door Lock Compliance"](https://www.gvlock.com/blog/door-lock-compliance/) There are also OSHA requirements on this issue. See "This Door Must Remain Unlocked. Why?"
To prevent additional would-be customers from entering, a business can station an employee at the door.
