Age identification and retail stories

[kinggingerman]

Greetings all I hope your doing well today. At work today (I work part time in a supermarket on wines and spirits) I saw a boy and a girl attempting to buy alcohol, neither of them looked old enough to purchase it so I followed them. Upon reaching the checkout the cashier IDed the girl who was in fact over 18 but didnt ID the guy and instead allowed them to purchase it however before she paid I stepped in and asked the guy for ID which he didnt have and so I told the cashier to refuse the sale, it was then I heard perhaps one of the most stupid excuses ive heard in retail which was.......so hes my boyfriend. I basically told her that considering I saw him ask her to buy the alcohol that it doesnt matter also the law prohibits such actions and in the end she left after a bit of arguing. My question to all of you is this, for those of you who work in retail please tell us your most entertaining story in relation to age restricted products and for those of you who dont work in retail please tell us about any experiences youve seen occur whilst out shopping. I look forward to your stories

 

[DefunctTheory]

I don't work in retail, but...

I'm a pretty young looking guy if you don't look too close. I'm 23 years old, but I look about 18 to most people, unless you look closely and see my gray spots, wrinkled forehead, and crows feet (And the fact that what looks like normal hair on most people is actually the beginning of a widow's peak).

Anyway, when I turned 21, the first thing I did was go buy booze. I know its stupid, but I went to the counter with a grin on my face, just waiting to be carded.

But they didn't card me. It bummed me out.

To this date, I have NEVER been carded for booze, yet I have to show ID EVERY time I buy smokes.

Weird.

EDIT:

In fact, now that I think about it, the SAME cashiers that card me for for smokes DON'T card me for booze. What gives?

 

[darth.pixie]

Hm...I've been buying my own alcohol and cigarettes since I was 15 and no one ever asked for my ID.

And after I turned 18, people suddenly started telling me that I look much younger (14~15). I can only imagine how young I must have looked back then.

The only story I know that involves age restrictions was when I was at a bar (I was 16) and friends with the owner. The policy was that no one under 21 was allowed in. Some friends from high school that were 18 came into the bar and we had to vouch for them with the owner to let them in. That and the time we snuck out because the cops had showed up.

EDIT:

In fact, now that I think about it, the SAME cashiers that card me for for smokes DON'T card me for booze. What gives?

They...don't like smokers but think alcohol is alright? I've heard of stranger things.

 

[kinggingerman]

I don't work in retail, but...

I'm a pretty young looking guy if you don't look too close. I'm 23 years old, but I look about 18 to most people, unless you look closely and see my gray spots, wrinkled forehead, and crows feet (And the fact that what looks like normal hair on most people is actually the beginning of a widow's peak).

Anyway, when I turned 21, the first thing I did was go buy booze. I know its stupid, but I went to the counter with a grin on my face, just waiting to be carded.

I've never really understood why in america you have to be over 21 to buy alchol but in the UK its 18. I always thought that was weird

 

[Daveman]

Well OP. I officially hate you. (Edit: weellllll, maybe just a little bit)

It's not illegal. I went into a store to buy a few bottles of ale for me and my friend, both of us over 18 and even before we got to the check out... in the fucking AISLE some store bastard (edit: well I suppose I mean "store clerk" but he was also a bastard for the record) comes up ands asks us for ID. I had mine on me but my friend didn't. We weren't allowed it. Even if my friend was fucking 3 years old this is in no way illegal as I am totally allowed to go home and give it to him then which is what we were fucking planning. I mean who binges on high quality ales in the street FFS? It is JUST discrimination because we looked young.

The worst story of this is my friend who went shopping, normally with his dad. His dad wasn't allowed to buy a bottle of wine with his groceries because my friend had no ID.

It's a fucking stupid rule that has absolutely no right to be imposed.

I don't care what justification about "kids getting somebody else to buy it for them", that is not the stores responsibility and can get lost. I still have this issue at University. I'll go out into town shopping and if one out of the four of us in our house doesn't have ID we're not allowed to buy any alcohol.

Edited a bit so I don't get probationed, but this entire idea just boggles my mind and frustrates me immensely.

 

[WorldCritic]

Some kid who looks like he's about 13 comes up and tries to buy some medicine. I scan the thing and where I work you have to be 18 or older to buy certain kinds of medicine. I ask him if he has an adult with him that can show their ID, but he says he's alone. I tell him that I can't sell him the item then and he freaks out. 30 minutes later his mom comes in and buys the medicine and demands to know why I wouldn't sell the crap to her son. I explain and she storms out saying how much she hates my store.

 

[kalt_13]

I used to work in retail, we couldn't sell spray paint to anyone under 16. There was a large paint sniffing problem in the area. One day one of our check out operaters denied sale to a teenager so he stalked her for 2-3 days. Had to escort the poor girl to her car every night, she was pretty scared for a few weeks.

 

[kinggingerman]

Well OP. I officially hate you.

It's not illegal. I went into a store to buy a few bottles of ale for me and my friend, both of us over 18 and even before we got to the check out... in the fucking AISLE some store bastard comes up ands asks us for ID. I had mine on me but my friend didn't. We weren't allowed it. Even if my friend was fucking 3 years old this is in no way illegal as I am totally allowed to go home and give it to him then which is what we were fucking planning. I mean who binges on high quality ales in the street FFS? It is JUST discrimination because we looked young.

The worst story of this is my friend who went shopping, normally with his dad. His dad wasn't allowed to buy a bottle of wine with his groceries because my friend had no ID.

It's a fucking stupid rule that has absolutely no right to be imposed.

I don't care what justification about "kids getting somebody else to buy it for them", that is not the stores responsibility and can get lost. I still have this issue at University. I'll go out into town shopping and if one out of the four of us in our house doesn't have ID we're not allowed to buy any alcohol.

Edited a bit so I don't get probationed, but this entire idea just boggles my mind and frustrates me immensely.

Why would you hate me for doing my job? Anyway it doesnt matter what any of us think about it my job description states that I must refuse a sale if the person does not present a valid ID when challenged. As to the legality of it in this situation it was completly illegal for the girl to purchase the alcohol for the clearly underaged boy, if he was indeed over 18 but just forgot his ID then your right its not illegal however company policy means that either the cashier or myself may face disciplinary action for allowing the purchase to occur if he didnt present ID even if hes over 18.

 

[kinggingerman]

[/quote] Just leave it man, just leave it.[/quote]
I will but I just wanted to get the point across for anyone else who was looking

 

[Hader]

Greetings all I hope your doing well today. At work today (I work part time in a supermarket on wines and spirits) I saw a boy and a girl attempting to buy alcohol, neither of them looked old enough to purchase it so I followed them. Upon reaching the checkout the cashier IDed the girl who was in fact over 18 but didnt ID the guy and instead allowed them to purchase it however before she paid I stepped in and asked the guy for ID which he didnt have and so I told the cashier to refuse the sale, it was then I heard perhaps one of the most stupid excuses ive heard in retail which was.......so hes my boyfriend. I basically told her that considering I saw him ask her to buy the alcohol that it doesnt matter also the law prohibits such actions and in the end she left after a bit of arguing. My question to all of you is this, for those of you who work in retail please tell us your most entertaining story in relation to age restricted products and for those of you who dont work in retail please tell us about any experiences youve seen occur whilst out shopping. I look forward to your stories

Damn, I have too many stories.

But the store I worked at had a very strict policy on identification for anything that required it, smokes and alcohol especially.

I saw one case where some guys, who looked just barely over 18, tried to buy some cigarettes. However, they had no ID, and despite looking the part somewhat well, that is never an excuse for retail workers to allow the sale. No ID, no sale, period. These guys got into a huge fuss over it with the cashier (I was on break and nearby witnessing this), and eventually stormed off, cussing up a shitstorm. they aimed to go to another cashier, as if that was going to help them.

Well I stepped in front of them and said something along the lines of "If you guys don't have your ID, then you aren't getting and smokes in this store today." And just as I finished that they snapped at me with the excuse "Who gives a shit man that's bullshit! we are totally old enough this is bullshit!" I replied "Then take it as a lesson learned and next time bring your ID and quit bitching about your own mistake. Now unless you have further business with us, please move along."

 

[SIXVI06-M]

Was working at a supermarket checkout, and a younger dude- I'd reckon about 15-16 came and wanted to buy some condoms, he looked a bit nervous and anxious to get out of there quickly- so I would assume this must be his first time.

Anyway, I didn't have a problem, but I just wanted to check his bags as per store policy. He panicked and showed me his ID instead XD.

"It's okay kid, I'm all for safe sex - I'd just like to have a quick check of your BAG" *points at sign behind me*.

 

[Hader]

Well OP. I officially hate you.

It's not illegal. I went into a store to buy a few bottles of ale for me and my friend, both of us over 18 and even before we got to the check out... in the fucking AISLE some store bastard comes up ands asks us for ID. I had mine on me but my friend didn't. We weren't allowed it. Even if my friend was fucking 3 years old this is in no way illegal as I am totally allowed to go home and give it to him then which is what we were fucking planning. I mean who binges on high quality ales in the street FFS? It is JUST discrimination because we looked young.

The worst story of this is my friend who went shopping, normally with his dad. His dad wasn't allowed to buy a bottle of wine with his groceries because my friend had no ID.

It's a fucking stupid rule that has absolutely no right to be imposed.

I don't care what justification about "kids getting somebody else to buy it for them", that is not the stores responsibility and can get lost. I still have this issue at University. I'll go out into town shopping and if one out of the four of us in our house doesn't have ID we're not allowed to buy any alcohol.

Edited a bit so I don't get probationed, but this entire idea just boggles my mind and frustrates me immensely.

In the aisle is a bit weird, to ask for ID. Can't say I understand that but whatever.

But if you both are going in there to by booze, then why the hell don't you have your ID? Not to be offensive or anything, but what I never understood is why people who are actually legally able to purchase alcohol seem to be the ones who always forget to have their ID's on them, yet the kids who are underage are always trying to forge one or find some way around it anyways. Seriously, if you are going to buy booze, and you can legally do it, you should know full well you will need your ID, I think that is a small responsibility to have for the simple task of purchasing it. Retail owners and anyone who sells alcohol can get into serious shit if they don't card when they should or sell alcohol to a minor and get caught doing it. I have seen it before at my own store and the results aren't pretty, so it's no wonder that they aim to make sure people are carded more often than not.

 

[Daveman]

Why would you hate me for doing my job? Anyway it doesnt matter what any of us think about it my job description states that I must refuse a sale if the person does not present a valid ID when challenged. As to the legality of it in this situation it was completly illegal for the girl to purchase the alcohol for the clearly underaged boy, if he was indeed over 18 but just forgot his ID then your right its not illegal however company policy means that either the cashier or myself may face disciplinary action for allowing the purchase to occur if he didnt present ID even if hes over 18.

Yeah, OK, it's just "your job" (which you choose to do and see no problem in doing it). Don't back up and say you were just following orders when you clearly agree with them. I don't care about that situation you give because this rule is just so pointless. All it takes is, as kids do and have asked me to do (I refused by the way), for them to ask you to get them something and then not follow you into the shop. That way they STILL get alcohol and the shops are none the wiser. Company policy be damned, it's just a pain for normal, innocent, law-abiding citizens such as myself.

Don't know what the law is in your country, but here it IS illegal to sell to someone you know will provide for a minor. The store gets fined a fucking lot. As someone who works in a bar with a full eprsonal liquor licence, I know this.

Also Jesus Christ, "discrimination", I can't believe you actually said that. It's not "discrimination", it's how you JUDGE WHETHER YOU ASK THEM FOR ID OR NOT. Shops around here have signs saying "if you look under 25, you will be asked for ID". I always wondered why they put those up, but now I see it's because of people like you.

But you can't KNOW they're gonna provide for a minor, so you ARE discriminating by making a judgement about people who you don't know at all based purely on their appearence (i.e. who is with them or whether they look shifty). I mean I know in some cases it's obvious but jesus, did you READ my examples? Those are just bizarre calls at the very least.

What's more, it's legal to drink alcohol in the UK at any age when at home. Therefore, from a legal perspective, it is totally fine for a 3 year old to come in (as I said) with somebody and pick out what drinks they would like provided they're handed over and drunk at home.

ANYWAY, I know I'm just raging but that's just because it causes me such hassle and because as I said I have been on the recieving end of one of these things you class as funny and I can tell you it is not. I felt weak and helpless and pathetic after being so patronised by the store clerk. Being somebody who is short and routinely asked for ID when I am clearly of age and out with a group of friends who will not get checked I can tell you it is not remotely fair.

snip

I had my ID, my friend did not. We were both only recently 18 and weren't aware of this policy at the time, I then asked around my friends later and found out about that other story. I would think that it only takes 1 person of age to buy some drinks. And tbh we didn't exaclty fit the profile of binge drinking teenagers.

I'm ALSO gonna clarify OP, I don't really hate you. I just hate the people who do your job in much the same way everybody hates traffic wardens... *sigh*

 

[SIXVI06-M]

Well I stepped in front of them and said something along the lines of "If you guys don't have your ID, then you aren't getting and smokes in this store today." And just as I finished that they snapped at me with the excuse "Who gives a shit man that's bullshit! we are totally old enough this is bullshit!" I replied "Then take it as a lesson learned and next time bring your ID and quit bitching about your own mistake. Now unless you have further business with us, please move along."

Should give them the "if anyone gets caught, they get the shit fired and fined out of them, so we do give a shit, no ID no sale".

On that note, I do remember this one time I just finished work, and sat down on a bench outside to enjoy an ice cream, when two kids- literally, I reckon they were 13? 14? yeah - boy and his supposed girlfriend or something, came up to me and asked: "hey, can you buy us some wine?", to which I looked at them for a few seconds and said: "no."
Kid: "come on, pleeeaaase?"
Me: "Really, no."
Kid: "aw, why not?"
Me: "What if I get caught?"
Kid: "You won't get caught! I swear!"
Me: "You can't guarantee that, and the police pass through here like this is donut king. Why can't you go raid your dad's wine cabinet or something like all the other kids do?"
Kid: *pauses for a few seconds, and sort of pouts* "My dad's dead."
Me: "Well that's a shame, I'm still not buying you any wine."

At this point, they left- maybe they went and found some other schmuck to try their luck. But seriously- that kid and that girl he was with, I'd hate to think what they were going to do with alcohol.

That and he was expecting this to come out of my pocket from my hard-earned money. If they seemed desperate enough, I can buy them food - but alcohol, if I wouldn't even do that for a homeless man, their luck isn't any better.

 

[kinggingerman]

Why would you hate me for doing my job? Anyway it doesnt matter what any of us think about it my job description states that I must refuse a sale if the person does not present a valid ID when challenged. As to the legality of it in this situation it was completly illegal for the girl to purchase the alcohol for the clearly underaged boy, if he was indeed over 18 but just forgot his ID then your right its not illegal however company policy means that either the cashier or myself may face disciplinary action for allowing the purchase to occur if he didnt present ID even if hes over 18.

Yeah, OK, it's just "your job" (which you choose to do and see no problem in doing it). Don't back up and say you were just following orders when you clearly agree with them. I don't care about that situation you give because this rule is just so pointless. All it takes is, as kids do and have asked me to do (I refused by the way), for them to ask you to get them something and then not follow you into the shop. That way they STILL get alcohol and the shops are none the wiser. Company policy be damned, it's just a pain for normal, innocent, law-abiding citizens such as myself.

Don't know what the law is in your country, but here it IS illegal to sell to someone you know will provide for a minor. The store gets fined a fucking lot. As someone who works in a bar with a full eprsonal liquor licence, I know this.

Also Jesus Christ, "discrimination", I can't believe you actually said that. It's not "discrimination", it's how you JUDGE WHETHER YOU ASK THEM FOR ID OR NOT. Shops around here have signs saying "if you look under 25, you will be asked for ID". I always wondered why they put those up, but now I see it's because of people like you.

But you can't KNOW they're gonna provide for a minor, so you ARE discriminating by making a judgement about people who you don't know at all based purely on their appearence (i.e. who is with them or whether they look shifty). I mean I know in some cases it's obvious but jesus, did you READ my examples? Those are just bizarre calls at the very least.

What's more, it's legal to drink alcohol in the UK at any age when at home. Therefore, from a legal perspective, it is totally fine for a 3 year old to come in (as I said) with somebody and pick out what drinks they would like provided they're handed over and drunk at home.

ANYWAY, I know I'm just raging but that's just because it causes me such hassle and because as I said I have been on the recieving end of one of these things you class as funny and I can tell you it is not. I felt weak and helpless and pathetic after being so patronised by the store clerk. Being somebody who is short and routinely asked for ID when I am clearly of age and out with a group of friends who will not get checked I can tell you it is not remotely fair.

Ok a few things, firstly yes i choose to do my job but if i dont follow the rules I will be either fined or sacked which I dont really want to occur. Secondly we have the TASK 25 scheme as im sure you have read, it does not matter whether you look over 18 if you do not appear over 25 I will ID as this is what I must do and it does not matter whether I agree with it or not. Also BS on the idea that a 3 year old could come in and get someone to buy alcohol for you here is the current law in the UK

Under 5 ? It?s illegal to give an alcoholic drink to a child under 5 except in certain circumstances (e.g. under medical supervision).

Under 14 - A person under 14 can't go into a bar or pub unless the pub has a 'children's certificate'. Without this certificate they can only go into parts that aren't licensed and where alcohol is either sold but not drunk (e.g. a sales point away from the pub), OR drunk but not sold (e.g. a beer garden or family room).

14 or 15 ? They can go anywhere in a pub but can't drink alcohol.

16 or 17 ? They can buy (or be bought) beer or cider so long as it's bought to eat with a meal, but not in a bar (i.e. only in a place specifically set aside for meals).

Under 18 ? With the exception of having a meal in a pub, it's against the law for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence or supermarket. It's also illegal to buy alcohol in a pub for someone who's not 18.

Anyone over 18 can buy and drink alcohol legally in licensed premises in Britain
http://www.talktofrank.com/drugs.aspx?id=166#law
also shown here http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/parents/your-childs-health-and-safety/young-people-and-alcohol/alcohol-young-people-under-18-and-the-law.htm

I understand that it may cause you embarrasment to be asked for ID but if you dont have ID then we cant make a sale and that is that it.

Edit: Just to make matters clear its not like im a 50 year old male picking on the kids because I hate them, I am only 19 so I understand peoples reasons for doing this but I still have to follow the rules just like everyone else in retail

 

[Daveman]

Should give them the "if anyone gets caught, they get the shit fired and fined out of them, so we do give a shit, no ID no sale".

On that note, I do remember this one time I just finished work, and sat down on a bench outside to enjoy an ice cream, when two kids- literally, I reckon they were 13? 14? yeah - boy and his supposed girlfriend or something, came up to me and asked: "hey, can you buy us some wine?", to which I looked at them for a few seconds and said: "no."
Kid: "come on, pleeeaaase?"
Me: "Really, no."
Kid: "aw, why not?"
Me: "What if I get caught?"
Kid: "You won't get caught! I swear!"
Me: "You can't guarantee that, and the police pass through here like this is donut king. Why can't you go raid your dad's wine cabinet or something like all the other kids do?"
Kid: *pauses for a few seconds, and sort of pouts* "My dad's dead."
Me: "Well that's a shame, I'm still not buying you any wine."

At this point, they left- maybe they went and found some other schmuck to try their luck. But seriously- that kid and that girl he was with, I'd hate to think what they were going to do with alcohol.

Seriously? That's it? I had a kid come up to me and ask me to buy him some booze and I just ignored him (I was with my underage cousin so wouldn't have been able to get any anyway [see earlier comments]) and he just started walking behind me shouting abuse at me and asking me if I think that I'm a "big man" or a "hard man" for ignoring him. Hell, I got the same treatment once because I overtook somebody when walking. I envy you and your polite teens...

 

[Daveman]

Ok a few things, firstly yes i choose to do my job but if i dont follow the rules I will be either fined or sacked which I dont really want to occur. Secondly we have the TASK 25 scheme as im sure you have read, it does not matter whether you look over 18 if you do not appear over 25 I will ID as this is what I must do and it does not matter whether I agree with it or not. Also BS on the idea that a 3 year old could come in and get someone to buy alcohol for you here is the current law in the UK

Under 5 ? It?s illegal to give an alcoholic drink to a child under 5 except in certain circumstances (e.g. under medical supervision).

...snip...

I understand that it may cause you embarrasment to be asked for ID but if you dont have ID then we cant make a sale and that is that it.

Ok seriously, arguing semantics that it's 5 rather than 3? My point remains valid.

Also... as I have stressed... I DID have ID. They are making a sale to ME, not my friend, not somebody who happens to have come shopping with me, just ME. What I do afterwards with it may or may not be legal but I'll be fucked if the store is going to decide that for me. The entire policy is just... silly.

EDIT: fuck, just realised it's 1:34, I need to sleep.

 

[Erana]

I got carded for trying to buy God of War at a Wal-Mart.
I didn't have my license on me, so I pulled out my college ID that did not have my age, but an issue date stating that I would have been a Senior at the time. (I thought it had my age on there, too, but that was apparently implimented the year after I got mine)
And then they ask my age, and I said 17, 'cause I was, and after an argument where this clerk was asserting that I was in highschool and was refusing to sell me the game because they thought I was lying about the college thing. They even acknowledged that I probably was 17, but they still weren't going to sell it to me. They then kept the game (The only copy there) behind the counter, and I just gave up after that ordeal.

The next time I was there, I went to buy the game and there was no issue or carding. I appreciate someone paying attention to the rating system of a game, but she should have just said, "No," after my college ID, rather than lecturing a potential customer, and critisizing their moral fiber over a product restricted due to policy rather than law, especially when they may well have actually just forgotten their ID.

 

[SIXVI06-M]

Seriously? That's it? I had a kid come up to me and ask me to buy him some booze and I just ignored him (I was with my underage cousin so wouldn't have been able to get any anyway [see earlier comments]) and he just started walking behind me shouting abuse at me and asking me if I think that I'm a "big man" or a "hard man" for ignoring him. Hell, I got the same treatment once because I overtook somebody when walking. I envy you and your polite teens...

Well- I actually reasoned with the kid rather than ignore him, so that kind of confines his responses to context, it's a bit out of wack if he started yelling at me, that and I wasn't being hostile or anything, it was a very even-tempered exchange; I wouldn't give him a good excuse to cause trouble for me.

Also, those kids didn't look like the rowdier teens that actually go around causing trouble, they looked more like kids that supposedly come from a good home (They both were dressed like they just had lunch with their parents, and well- just the looks on their faces, they both look like they just turned 13-14 or something) - quite possibly very misguided trying to accost people for alcohol.

Not all our teens are like that.