Can an employer tell you where or where not to work if I leave?

In general, an employer cannot tell you where you can work once you leave your employment with that employer.  If there was a legitimate non-compete agreement in place, the employer might be able to restrict you from working for one of its competitors, but would not otherwise be able to tell you where you could or could not work. Typically handbook provisions are not contracts, especially where the employer reserves the right to change them at any time (See the first page or two of the handbook for this language.).  Your statement indicates to me that someone told the employer he/she/it could not attempt to regulate post-employment conduct of the employees. Good luck.