Tesco alcohol policy

[CropleyWasGod]

This morning, my 24 year old daughter was in Tesco at Broughton Road, buying groceries and alcohol for tonight. My 16 year old son was with her, to help her carry the bags.

The cashier (who, I understand, was younger than her) refused to sell her the alcohol. First of all, he asked for proof of age from her, which she was able to produce. Secondly, he asked for proof of my son's age. He had none. At that point, the sale was refused, on the grounds that she had a minor with her.

My daughter asked to speak to a manager, who backed the decision. At that point, understandably angry and embarrassed, she left the store, leaving all of her shopping.

I called the store manager. He told me that this is normal store policy. I asked whether it would be the same if I attempted to buy alcohol in the company of a minor, and he confirmed that it would be.

It therefore seems to be that adults are not allowed to buy alcohol in Tesco unless they are on their own. I find this to be a gross infringement of their legal and moral rights. Further, it seems that such decisions are being made by people who are not qualified to make them; in this particular case, someone with very little life experience was making a judgement on my daughter's morality. I find this highly offensive.

Can I breathe now?

[Jay]

So I couldn't buy a bottle of wine with my 6 year old present?? :confused: How ridiculous! Would they rather I left him outside?

[hibby19]

I can totally understand where you are coming from but I think you are being a bit harsh on the cashier. They have a job to do and are just following what they have been told to do. They are not going to risk their jobs over the possibility that the alcohol could be for a minor.

The policy obviously has many flaws but I think what the manager told you about what would happen if you had been with a minor is a lot of rubbish. I was in Tesco last night to help my mum carry the alcohol she was buying and the cashier never said a word about me being there.

[CropleyWasGod]

So I couldn't buy a bottle of wine with my 6 year old present?? :confused: How ridiculous! Would they rather I left him outside?

Apparently, it's down to the judgement of the cashier involved. Which means that you will have 18 year olds making decisions about the intentions of people twice and three times their age.

My daughter, for her part, will make sure that her brother stays well away from the till next time.............. which would, of course, be the action of someone who was trying to break the law. Crazy.

[Barney McGrew]

It therefore seems to be that adults are not allowed to buy alcohol in Tesco unless they are on their own. I find this to be a gross infringement of their legal and moral rights. Further, it seems that such decisions are being made by people who are not qualified to make them; in this particular case, someone with very little life experience was making a judgement on my daughter's morality. I find this highly offensive

It may seem a bit daft, but it sounds like the checkout girl has only been following the rules put down to her rather than making any kind of judgement call (rules which I understand Tesco and other supermarkets have had in place for some time now).

The fact is that underage kids get alcohol through older people buying it for them, and under the new licensing rules coming into effect shops are just as culpable for selling to someone where it appears there's any chance that it may be getting passed on to under-agers than simply selling it to someone who isn't of legal age to purchase it. There has been 'test shopping' across the country to this effect throughout 2008. However unfair it is, supermarkets can't put their license at risk (and potential profit/bad publicity it would lead to).

[Killiehibbie]

This is not company policy. It is a case of the checkout operator getting it wrong and the manager backing his staff. The operator is right if he/she thinks the alcohol is being purchased for the underager but that is another story.

[CropleyWasGod]

I can totally understand where you are coming from but I think you are being a bit harsh on the cashier. They have a job to do and are just following what they have been told to do. They are not going to risk their jobs over the possibility that the alcohol could be for a minor.

The policy obviously has many flaws but I think what the manager told you about what would happen if you had been with a minor is a lot of rubbish. I was in Tesco last night to help my mum carry the alcohol she was buying and the cashier never said a word about me being there.


Not so. Happened to a friend of mine, in her late 40's, who had her 17 year old daughter with her.

As for the situation with you and your mum, the cashier made a judgement. That is the annoying part.... see my previous post.

[Hibbie_Cameron]

Im only just back Tesco in Musselburgh with my 14 year old Brother. we bought groceries and booze for tonight. We got served no problem at all despite the fact my brother was carrying a big box of booze for me while i had the other box and the food.

Think you have just been unlucky tbh

[hibsboy90]

Any underager who wants alcohol to be bought for them, by someone else who is of age, would go stand outside the shop and wait rather than risk being ID'd.

Something which i have done before when i was underage.

I also think it is less likely to be bought for a minor when it is with a full thing of shopping, if the 24 year old went to the checkout with 3 crates of lager, a bottle of wine, and 2 bottles of vodka, i could completely understand the cashier questioning the 'purpose' of the alcohol.

[aazza91]

This is not company policy. It is a case of the checkout operator getting it wrong and the manager backing his staff. The operator is right if he/she thinks the alcohol is being purchased for the underager but that is another story.


It is Tesco Policy and i believe some other shops that if the cashier thinks the person underage will consume the alcohol they have every right to refuse the sale.

As someone said if they had their 6 year old with them it would be common sense for the cashier to put through the sale as i doubt many 6 year olds would drink it.

Having worked in Tesco myself i would of refused the sale aswell because if i got caught i could lose my job and personally get a £5000 fine which i would have to pay myself.

[Sauzee7062]

It is Tesco Policy and i believe some other shops that if the cashier thinks the person underage will consume the alcohol they have every right to refuse the sale.

As someone said if they had their 6 year old with them it would be common sense for the cashier to put through the sale as i doubt many 6 year olds would drink it.

Having worked in Tesco myself i would of refused the sale aswell because if i got caught i could lose my job and personally get a £5000 fine which i would have to pay myself.

I think that would be highly unlikely!! How can they ever prove the alcohol was for the underage person?

It sounds like scare tactics by managers and it obviously works if you would have refused the sale as well. A load of nonsense if you ask me.

[Barney McGrew]

I think that would be highly unlikely!! How can they ever prove the alcohol was for the underage person?

The police and trading standards do 'test shops' on it quite regularly. There have been quite a few instances where supermarkets have been caught in this way in Scotland, but they tend to be kept out of the papers (before anyone asks how I know, I work in the drinks industry). The onus is one the person supplying the drink, so the poster is quite right in saying they could be in line for a fine.

By the sound of the OP it may be that his daughter is in the lucky position of looking younger than she actually is (and therefore got ID'd) and his son may look a bit older than he is. trying to tell the ages of people between 16 and 24 can be an absolute nightmare as anyone who's ever worked in a bar or nightclub can tell you!

[Sick Boy]

That old cliché again I'm afraid. We're only doing our job. As a Tesco cashier, I can definitely say I would have done the same thing just as occurred in the OP's daughter's case. We are put under a great deal of scrutiny to refuse any sale of alcohol that does not meet the criteria set, especially at this time of year. If 2 or more people come through together, valid ID must be shown by all before the sale can commence even if only one person is purchasing the age restricted product.

Any sale refused for whatever reason HAS to be backed up by the Team Leader/Manager if called upon. Obviously, a bit of common sense comes into play and if it's clearly a minor accompanying their parent then I, personally, would carry out the sale. It is entirely at the cashier's discretion though.

[CropleyWasGod]

That old cliché again I'm afraid. We're only doing our job. As a Tesco cashier, I can definitely say I would have done the same thing just as occurred in the OP's daughter's case. We are put under a great deal of scrutiny to refuse any sale of alcohol that does not meet the criteria set, especially at this time of year. If 2 or more people come through together, valid ID must be shown by all before the sale can commence even if only one person is purchasing the age restricted product.

Any sale refused for whatever reason HAS to be backed up by the Team Leader/Manager if called upon. Obviously, a bit of common sense comes into play and if it's clearly a minor accompanying their parent then I, personally, would carry out the sale. It is entirely at the cashier's discretion though.

Taking it to its ultimate, you could assume that every person buying alcohol is doing so for a minor. That is the only fail-safe approach.

That said, I feel it is grossly unfair of Tesco to put the decision on the shoulders of the young and (life-wise) inexperienced. With all the expertiuse at its disposal, I would that thought they would have been able to come up with a more sensible approach.

[Sir David Gray]

Any underager who wants alcohol to be bought for them, by someone else who is of age, would go stand outside the shop and wait rather than risk being ID'd.

Something which i have done before when i was underage.

I also think it is less likely to be bought for a minor when it is with a full thing of shopping, if the 24 year old went to the checkout with 3 crates of lager, a bottle of wine, and 2 bottles of vodka, i could completely understand the cashier questioning the 'purpose' of the alcohol.

:agree: Exactly.

You would have to be incredibly stupid, if you're underage and want alcohol, to go into a shop with an older friend/relative and are there at the till when it's purchased. For the very reason you've pointed out, there is a good chance that the cashier will refuse to serve you.

Any sensible person would stand outside the shop whilst the alcohol is being bought.

I would therefore hazard a guess that the vast majority of people under 18 years of age who are present when someone else is buying alcohol, are NOT about to take the alcohol for themselves.

[bandylegs_jLeighton]

In one case I know, two cousins who are both in their early 20's got refused on the basis that only one of them had ID. Fortunately, so it seemed at the time, their mum/auntie was also in the shop at the same time. She came over to buy what was only a 12-pack of tennents after explaining who she was (and showing ID to prove it). She got refused too. Again the manager backed the decision. She asked about the bottles of wine she had in her weekly shop and got told she could no longer purchase them either! The logic was that any alcohol this 50 year old woman now bought, could in actual fact be for the person without ID, who doesnt even look young and is nearly 5 years over the legal limit. Remember, this was also inspite of the fact that her visit to the store was entirely seperate.

Having worked in customer services for 5 years part-time when I was at uni, I'd like to think of myself as a understanding customer, but this policy without any application of common sense is potentially a complete shambles.

[Darth Hibbie]

I know we don't want our youngsters getting alcohol but its starting to get a bit silly. My OH was in asda last week where she was ID'd. Fortunatley she had her driving license on her. If not she would have been refused.

That all sounds fine but she is 30

:party::cheers::partyhibb:wtf:

[GlesgaeHibby]

Working for Tesco I fully understand the pressure that they are under. We had a few cases last year in the west of Scotland in which test purchases were failed and there was a massive review of policy in the wake of it. The consequences for Tesco as a company for failing a test purchase is potentially massive. The store in question can be fined up to £5000 and lose their alcohol license, worst case scenario is Tesco as a company lose their whole alcohol license. Luckily for us these failed test purchases were from our own mystery shoppers and not the police. Whilst the policy can seem crazy in some cases, Tesco simply cannot afford to take such risks. Using common sense it will be fine, to think that an alcohol sale would be refused for a mother buying her weekly shop with her son/daughter present is madness.

It is also company policy for management to back up their cashiers 100%. If they have made a call, it will be fully supported by management.

[matty_f]

I've often bought booze with my kids in Tesco in Dunfermline, though I suppose the argument in Tesco's favour here would be that the kids are clearly too young to be drinking, even in Fife (they're 5 and 2). I suppose buying with someone closer to 18 would be more problematic for Tesco to deal with, and I can kind of understand why they have this policy.

[danhibees1875]

I've often bought booze with my kids in Tesco in Dunfermline, though I suppose the argument in Tesco's favour here would be that the kids are clearly too young to be drinking, even in Fife (they're 5 and 2). I suppose buying with someone closer to 18 would be more problematic for Tesco to deal with, and I can kind of understand why they have this policy.

:tee hee:

[We done it Dad]

I'm sure it is not illegal for under 18's to drink in their parent's house with their parent's permission (within reason!).
Many moons ago, when I was under 18, we waited outside when someone was buying drink for us. However, as I was big for my age, I had no problem being served anyway!

[lapsedhibee]

This thread should shirley be deleted before someone in Hibs likes Tesco's policy on alcohol sales so much that they invite them to come and advise Ticketmaster on how to deal with ticket sales, databases and that.

[MrRobot]

Happened to me before. My mate with with me and only 17, and I was buying it for myself and they refused me. Knew the people too.

Lots of places seem to do it now. Pretty annoying.

[Sir David Gray]

I'm sure it is not illegal for under 18's to drink in their parent's house with their parent's permission (within reason!).
Many moons ago, when I was under 18, we waited outside when someone was buying drink for us. However, as I was big for my age, I had no problem being served anyway!

Under parental supervision, anyone over the age of 5 can legally drink alcohol within their own home.

[lapsedhibee]

Under parental supervision, anyone over the age of 5 can legally drink alcohol within their own home.

I heard it said on the tellybox the other night that anyone over 5 can legally drink alcohol in a pub - just not at the bar.

[Lucius Apuleius]

Think it is a load of crap personally. I am of a responsible age where I can buy alcohol but because I have a minor with me I won't be served??? Absolute nonsense. I would be leaving my whole shopping at the checkout if it happened to me and never darken their doorstep again.

[Peevemor]

Under parental supervision, anyone over the age of 5 can legally drink alcohol within their own home.

That's what makes nonsense of the whole thing.


Think it is a load of crap personally. I am of a responsible age where I can buy alcohol but because I have a minor with me I won't be served??? Absolute nonsense. I would be leaving my whole shopping at the checkout if it happened to me and never darken their doorstep again.

Ditto. :agree:

[The doomed]

Tesco under pressure? The bully every other shop around yet implement stupid policies like these.

Time the Govt stepped in and massively taxed drink bought in supermarkets.

[Danderhall Hibs]

It is also company policy for management to back up their cashiers 100%. If they have made a call, it will be fully supported by management.

They'd be as well sticking a sign up saying "Don't waste your time" - surely the manager has some kind of responsibility to try and explain the rule rather than hiding behind the cashier?!

[GlesgaeHibby]

They'd be as well sticking a sign up saying "Don't waste your time" - surely the manager has some kind of responsibility to try and explain the rule rather than hiding behind the cashier?!

They can explain the rule, but the cashiers decision is final and will be backed up all the way.

[Danderhall Hibs]

They can explain the rule, but the cashiers decision is final and will be backed up all the way.

"The Customer's Always Wrong" has a better ring to it.

[Louise]

I had the very same argument with Tesco Corstorphine. I had a 6month old baby and a 13 year old with me at the time and they wanted proof of age of both children! I mean come on - a 6 month old baby!

They refused the sale, implying that I was intent on giving underage children alcohol. Manager there told me that it was a common sense approach. When asked if they would have done the same if I was a 60 year old grandmother with her grandchildren, he couldn't give me an answer.

Am I now meant to leave a baby and 13 year old at home to go get the shopping (which would be illegal) or leave them standing outside the shop? - I dont think so!
I understand that the policy is to try and stop underage drinking, but they are taking this way to far imo!


I say boycott Tesco!

[Danderhall Hibs]

Manager there told me that it was a common sense approach. When asked if they would have done the same if I was a 60 year old grandmother with her grandchildren, he couldn't give me an answer.


He wouldn't be able to give you an answer because by the sounds of things he's got to wait and see what his member of staff decides first. Once the staff member has decided he will then agree with it.

[Silky]

I think it's a load of nonsense. Fortunately, it's not happened to me yet, but if it did, I think I'd take them all the way. Then they would surely have to prove that I was buying it for someone else!!

[Louise]

Working for Tesco I fully understand the pressure that they are under. We had a few cases last year in the west of Scotland in which test purchases were failed and there was a massive review of policy in the wake of it. The consequences for Tesco as a company for failing a test purchase is potentially massive. The store in question can be fined up to £5000 and lose their alcohol license, worst case scenario is Tesco as a company lose their whole alcohol license. Luckily for us these failed test purchases were from our own mystery shoppers and not the police. Whilst the policy can seem crazy in some cases, Tesco simply cannot afford to take such risks. Using common sense it will be fine, to think that an alcohol sale would be refused for a mother buying her weekly shop with her son/daughter present is madness.

It is also company policy for management to back up their cashiers 100%. If they have made a call, it will be fully supported by management.


I understand the theory behind the stores policy and the consequences of losing their license but, I cannot understand how the shop can be prosecuted if they have legally sold me alcohol having supplied proof of age. Surely if I supply it to a minor I am liable for prosecution, not the shop. If the shop can prove it was sold to me (if I had used my card to pay) it then has nothing to do with them.

Are trying to say that they are being held responsible for all the customers of legal age who have bought alcohol and HAVE supplied it to a minor?

I think they are leaving themselves wide open there!

[GlesgaeHibby]

I understand the theory behind the stores policy and the consequences of losing their license but, I cannot understand how the shop can be prosecuted if they have legally sold me alcohol having supplied proof of age. Surely if I supply it to a minor I am liable for prosecution, not the shop. If the shop can prove it was sold to me (if I had used my card to pay) it then has nothing to do with them.

Are trying to say that they are being held responsible for all the customers of legal age who have bought alcohol and HAVE supplied it to a minor?

I think they are leaving themselves wide open there!

I totally agree with you, thats the way I always viewed it- the shop has surely done no wrong in selling you the alcohol therefore you are liable and not the shop if you supply under age kids alcohol. The case you mention above is simply absurd and find it shocking it happened. It initially started off with groups of people who were only buying alcohol and all looked around the 18 year old mark would get I.D'd which makes sense, but to extend it to the above situation is simply absurd.

[Sir David Gray]

I heard it said on the tellybox the other night that anyone over 5 can legally drink alcohol in a pub - just not at the bar.

As far as I understand it;

You must generally be over 18 years old to purchase alcohol in a pub, restaurant or off-licence.

However, in a restaurant, anyone aged 16 or 17 may order beer, wine or cider with a meal.

[Darth Hibbie]

I heard it said on the tellybox the other night that anyone over 5 can legally drink alcohol in a pub - just not at the bar.

Thats rubbish I am afraid.

Anybody under 14 can enter a pub with adults and sit in a designated area set aside for the purpose of a meal. They are not under any circumstances allowed in the "bar" of licensed premises. There must also be a childrens certificate held by the licensed premise. They are not allowed to consume alcohol.

Any person over 14 or over can enter a licensed premise however they are not allowed to consume alcohol. Most pubs however have at least an 18 or over policy unless for food as stated above.

[greenlex]

Would it realy be a problem for Tesco to lose their Licsence? They seem not to want to sell alcohol. :confused: Total nonsense IMO.

[Monts]

I worked for Tesco a few years back.

The policy is, or at least was, down to the cashiers disgession. If its obvious the minor is accompanying a parent then its common sense. If the ages are closer then it is a call for the cashier to make.

The managers will then back up the cashiers decision as if it was overruled the workforce would not be happy.


I had an incident at Asda not that long ago. A friend and I went to buy supplies for a party. Both of us are 22. When we got to the checkout my friend realised he didnt have his ID on him. So we went out and I went back in to get the stuff. I was then refused again as even tho my friend was no longer present I had already been knocked back. I went out again, and my friend had found his ID in his car. He went back in again and showed them the ID. They again refused him as I had been refused twice.
Both of us had shown valid ID and they were still refusing. After a lenghty discussion with the manager and security (OTT or what) they eventually sold us the drink, but gave us a warning. Suffice to say we wont be shopping there again!!

[We done it Dad]

If I went to Tesco with my daughter, bought alcohol, went home and then let her drink some, what law would I be breaking? But Tesco's policy means they have to stop me not breaking any laws!???? No wonder I drink lots!!!

[Coco Bryce]

This morning, my 24 year old daughter was in Tesco at Broughton Road, buying groceries and alcohol for tonight. My 16 year old son was with her, to help her carry the bags.

The cashier (who, I understand, was younger than her) refused to sell her the alcohol. First of all, he asked for proof of age from her, which she was able to produce. Secondly, he asked for proof of my son's age. He had none. At that point, the sale was refused, on the grounds that she had a minor with her.

My daughter asked to speak to a manager, who backed the decision. At that point, understandably angry and embarrassed, she left the store, leaving all of her shopping.

I called the store manager. He told me that this is normal store policy. I asked whether it would be the same if I attempted to buy alcohol in the company of a minor, and he confirmed that it would be.

It therefore seems to be that adults are not allowed to buy alcohol in Tesco unless they are on their own. I find this to be a gross infringement of their legal and moral rights. Further, it seems that such decisions are being made by people who are not qualified to make them; in this particular case, someone with very little life experience was making a judgement on my daughter's morality. I find this highly offensive.

Can I breathe now?

Thats outrageous behavior on Tesco part :bitchy:

Funnily enough I also remember a few years ago now, me & the wife were in Asda and this lad in his early 20s was buying like a full weeks worth of messages and he had a box of Stella in with it. The assistant had put nearly all off his stuff over the scanner and never noticed the beer hiding at the back, we the young girl eventually got to it she asked him for id which the guy never had, she got the manager over and said no id no beer, the lad was raging and now slightly embarrassed as the queue was lengthening, so he said well if you're not going to sell me the beer you stick the rest of your stuff back on the shelfs...it was hilarious :top marks

I thought to myself well done son until when then had to wait about another 15mins till they cleared his shopping away :bitchy:

[AndyP]

Thats outrageous behavior on Tesco part :bitchy:

Funnily enough I also remember a few years ago now, me & the wife were in Asda and this lad in his early 20s was buying like a full weeks worth of messages and he had a box of Stella in with it. The assistant had put nearly all off his stuff over the scanner and never noticed the beer hiding at the back, we the young girl eventually got to it she asked him for id which the guy never had, she got the manager over and said no id no beer, the lad was raging and now slightly embarrassed as the queue was lengthening, so he said well if you're not going to sell me the beer you stick the rest of your stuff back on the shelfs...it was hilarious :top marks

I thought to myself well done son until when then had to wait about another 15mins till they cleared his shopping away :bitchy:

A store manager with an ounce of common sense (rare trait IMO) would have offered to put the stuff on lay away until the guy had got his ID and returned, bit of an imbuggerance but it would have saved face all round and prevented the boy from losing his rag:wink:

[GlesgaeHibby]

Would it realy be a problem for Tesco to lose their Licsence? They seem not to want to sell alcohol. :confused: Total nonsense IMO.

Is that a joke? Alcohol is worth a fortune to Tesco a year. In most stores it accounts for 15-25% of all sales.

[We done it Dad]

Is that a joke? Alcohol is worth a fortune to Tesco a year. In most stores it accounts for 15-25% of all sales.

NO!
It appears Tesco's policy is a joke

[Hiber-nation]

Think it is a load of crap personally. I am of a responsible age where I can buy alcohol but because I have a minor with me I won't be served??? Absolute nonsense. I would be leaving my whole shopping at the checkout if it happened to me and never darken their doorstep again.

Which is exactly what a bloke I know (aged around 50) did at Tesco Mussy - went to the counter to get a few cans and a half bottle of voddie with his 20 year old son who had no iD and was refused the alcohol. Spoke to the manager who confirmed that the checkout woman was correct so he left the shopping and never went back to the shop which is just round the corner. ****in joke.

[Killiehibbie]

NO!
It appears Tesco's policy is a joke

That is the whole problem a jobsworth makes a bad call and the manager is not allowed to overrule this. Any supermarket workers want to tell me why I can't buy 32 paracetamol AND 32 Ibuprofen? As far as I know the law limits the amount of paracetamol that can be purchased but ibuprofen is completely different.

[Woody1985]

This morning, my 24 year old daughter was in Tesco at Broughton Road, buying groceries and alcohol for tonight. My 16 year old son was with her, to help her carry the bags.

The cashier (who, I understand, was younger than her) refused to sell her the alcohol. First of all, he asked for proof of age from her, which she was able to produce. Secondly, he asked for proof of my son's age. He had none. At that point, the sale was refused, on the grounds that she had a minor with her.

My daughter asked to speak to a manager, who backed the decision. At that point, understandably angry and embarrassed, she left the store, leaving all of her shopping.

I called the store manager. He told me that this is normal store policy. I asked whether it would be the same if I attempted to buy alcohol in the company of a minor, and he confirmed that it would be.

It therefore seems to be that adults are not allowed to buy alcohol in Tesco unless they are on their own. I find this to be a gross infringement of their legal and moral rights. Further, it seems that such decisions are being made by people who are not qualified to make them; in this particular case, someone with very little life experience was making a judgement on my daughter's morality. I find this highly offensive.

Can I breathe now?

This happened to me. I'm 23 and had ID and was with my mate who's 24 and looks a lot older and they wouldn't sell me.

I wasn't too happy that's for sure and the guy at the desk was a smart rse about it and was probably younger than me. Pr!ck.

[lapsedhibee]

I heard it said on the tellybox the other night that anyone over 5 can legally drink alcohol in a pub - just not at the bar.


Thats rubbish I am afraid.

Anybody under 14 can enter a pub with adults and sit in a designated area set aside for the purpose of a meal. They are not under any circumstances allowed in the "bar" of licensed premises. There must also be a childrens certificate held by the licensed premise. They are not allowed to consume alcohol.

Any person over 14 or over can enter a licensed premise however they are not allowed to consume alcohol.

Can't be sure where I heard the comment about being 5 now - think it might have been from a guest on the QI program, and they would have been talking about England, not Scotland - but it was allowed to stand, not corrected or challenged in any way. Was surprised to hear it, but didn't automatically dismiss as the law is so frequently a donkey.

My current understanding is that it is legal for a five year old to drink alcohol anywhere (ie not necessarily in their home) except a licensed premises. That right enough? :dunno:

[Lucius Apuleius]

That is the whole problem a jobsworth makes a bad call and the manager is not allowed to overrule this. Any supermarket workers want to tell me why I can't buy 32 paracetamol AND 32 Ibuprofen? As far as I know the law limits the amount of paracetamol that can be purchased but ibuprofen is completely different.

This is actually another one that gets me really peed off. I work abroad, as most people know, for an 8 week period at a time, yet I am only allowed to buy 32 paracetamols. That is 16 hangovers!!!! Who the frigging heck they kidding? And that is before I have a cold or something and actually NEED to take tabs!

[Speedy]

It is Tesco Policy and i believe some other shops that if the cashier thinks the person underage will consume the alcohol they have every right to refuse the sale.

As someone said if they had their 6 year old with them it would be common sense for the cashier to put through the sale as i doubt many 6 year olds would drink it.

Having worked in Tesco myself i would of refused the sale aswell because if i got caught i could lose my job and personally get a £5000 fine which i would have to pay myself.

Correct, this is the point that people seem to miss


Any underager who wants alcohol to be bought for them, by someone else who is of age, would go stand outside the shop and wait rather than risk being ID'd.

Something which i have done before when i was underage.

I also think it is less likely to be bought for a minor when it is with a full thing of shopping, if the 24 year old went to the checkout with 3 crates of lager, a bottle of wine, and 2 bottles of vodka, i could completely understand the cashier questioning the 'purpose' of the alcohol.

Not true, I can tell you that from personal experience


:agree: Exactly.

You would have to be incredibly stupid, if you're underage and want alcohol, to go into a shop with an older friend/relative and are there at the till when it's purchased. For the very reason you've pointed out, there is a good chance that the cashier will refuse to serve you.

Any sensible person would stand outside the shop whilst the alcohol is being bought.

I would therefore hazard a guess that the vast majority of people under 18 years of age who are present when someone else is buying alcohol, are NOT about to take the alcohol for themselves.

A lot of people are stupid


Think it is a load of crap personally. I am of a responsible age where I can buy alcohol but because I have a minor with me I won't be served??? Absolute nonsense. I would be leaving my whole shopping at the checkout if it happened to me and never darken their doorstep again.

If that is your attitude then I wouldn't miss you


They'd be as well sticking a sign up saying "Don't waste your time" - surely the manager has some kind of responsibility to try and explain the rule rather than hiding behind the cashier?!

What do you expect?


I understand the theory behind the stores policy and the consequences of losing their license but, I cannot understand how the shop can be prosecuted if they have legally sold me alcohol having supplied proof of age. Surely if I supply it to a minor I am liable for prosecution, not the shop. If the shop can prove it was sold to me (if I had used my card to pay) it then has nothing to do with them.

Are trying to say that they are being held responsible for all the customers of legal age who have bought alcohol and HAVE supplied it to a minor?

I think they are leaving themselves wide open there!

You cannot sell alcohol to someone if you suspect it will be consumed by someone underage. If there is no reason to suspect that it will be consumed by someone underage but it is then there is no liability.


I totally agree with you, thats the way I always viewed it- the shop has surely done no wrong in selling you the alcohol therefore you are liable and not the shop if you supply under age kids alcohol. The case you mention above is simply absurd and find it shocking it happened. It initially started off with groups of people who were only buying alcohol and all looked around the 18 year old mark would get I.D'd which makes sense, but to extend it to the above situation is simply absurd.

Where do you draw the line(taking my above statement into consideration)?


I worked for Tesco a few years back.

The policy is, or at least was, down to the cashiers disgession. If its obvious the minor is accompanying a parent then its common sense. If the ages are closer then it is a call for the cashier to make.

The managers will then back up the cashiers decision as if it was overruled the workforce would not be happy.


I had an incident at Asda not that long ago. A friend and I went to buy supplies for a party. Both of us are 22. When we got to the checkout my friend realised he didnt have his ID on him. So we went out and I went back in to get the stuff. I was then refused again as even tho my friend was no longer present I had already been knocked back. I went out again, and my friend had found his ID in his car. He went back in again and showed them the ID. They again refused him as I had been refused twice.
Both of us had shown valid ID and they were still refusing. After a lenghty discussion with the manager and security (OTT or what) they eventually sold us the drink, but gave us a warning. Suffice to say we wont be shopping there again!!

Technically it's nothing to do with age but I see what you're getting at

Exactly, if the staff are overruled once then they won't enforce the rules

Out of order completely


Thats outrageous behavior on Tesco part :bitchy:

Funnily enough I also remember a few years ago now, me & the wife were in Asda and this lad in his early 20s was buying like a full weeks worth of messages and he had a box of Stella in with it. The assistant had put nearly all off his stuff over the scanner and never noticed the beer hiding at the back, we the young girl eventually got to it she asked him for id which the guy never had, she got the manager over and said no id no beer, the lad was raging and now slightly embarrassed as the queue was lengthening, so he said well if you're not going to sell me the beer you stick the rest of your stuff back on the shelfs...it was hilarious :top marks

I thought to myself well done son until when then had to wait about another 15mins till they cleared his shopping away :bitchy:

Anyone that appears under 21 or 25(depending on the policy) should be asked for ID. If they don't have it they won't be sold alcohol. Who done the right thing? The customer or the cashier?


A store manager with an ounce of common sense (rare trait IMO) would have offered to put the stuff on lay away until the guy had got his ID and returned, bit of an imbuggerance but it would have saved face all round and prevented the boy from losing his rag:wink:

I would assume this would have been the case. Perhaps not but I've seen a lot of people lose their rag over not being sold alcohol


NO!
It appears Tesco's policy is a joke

Why?


Which is exactly what a bloke I know (aged around 50) did at Tesco Mussy - went to the counter to get a few cans and a half bottle of voddie with his 20 year old son who had no iD and was refused the alcohol. Spoke to the manager who confirmed that the checkout woman was correct so he left the shopping and never went back to the shop which is just round the corner. ****in joke.

If the operator believed that the alcohol was for both people why is it a joke? Would it be a joke if it was a 20 year old and 17 year old?


This happened to me. I'm 23 and had ID and was with my mate who's 24 and looks a lot older and they wouldn't sell me.

I wasn't too happy that's for sure and the guy at the desk was a smart rse about it and was probably younger than me. Pr!ck.

What does the operator's age have to do with anything?

[Speedy]

My last post seemed to miss these quotes:


This morning, my 24 year old daughter was in Tesco at Broughton Road, buying groceries and alcohol for tonight. My 16 year old son was with her, to help her carry the bags.

The cashier (who, I understand, was younger than her) refused to sell her the alcohol. First of all, he asked for proof of age from her, which she was able to produce. Secondly, he asked for proof of my son's age. He had none. At that point, the sale was refused, on the grounds that she had a minor with her.

My daughter asked to speak to a manager, who backed the decision. At that point, understandably angry and embarrassed, she left the store, leaving all of her shopping.

I called the store manager. He told me that this is normal store policy. I asked whether it would be the same if I attempted to buy alcohol in the company of a minor, and he confirmed that it would be.

It therefore seems to be that adults are not allowed to buy alcohol in Tesco unless they are on their own. I find this to be a gross infringement of their legal and moral rights. Further, it seems that such decisions are being made by people who are not qualified to make them; in this particular case, someone with very little life experience was making a judgement on my daughter's morality. I find this highly offensive.

Can I breathe now?

Could you please quote the wording of the manager? Do you have an issue with the policy or the age of the operator?


So I couldn't buy a bottle of wine with my 6 year old present?? :confused: How ridiculous! Would they rather I left him outside?

Not true, this is covered in my previous post


Apparently, it's down to the judgement of the cashier involved. Which means that you will have 18 year olds making decisions about the intentions of people twice and three times their age.

My daughter, for her part, will make sure that her brother stays well away from the till next time.............. which would, of course, be the action of someone who was trying to break the law. Crazy.

Again, there seems to be an issue with the age of the operator? Would it be ok if your daughter was refused by a 40 year old?


This is not company policy. It is a case of the checkout operator getting it wrong and the manager backing his staff. The operator is right if he/she thinks the alcohol is being purchased for the underager but that is another story.

Right or wrong?

Personally I don't think it's "another story"

[Steve-O]

Happens over here as well. Was in the Supermarket a few weeks ago, no ID (26 years old at the time), had to get my 21 year old girlfriend with ID to buy the drinks!

I really don't get most of these policies - it is 18 to buy drinks but a lot of policies are now if you look under 25 you will be asked for ID? So, if you appear to be 24, 6 years over the legal age for buying alcohol, you will be asked for ID to prove you are over 18 :confused: Surely you should be ID'd if you look under 18???????????

Even now at 27 I am still getting asked for ID, bit of a joke really...

The best one over here is getting refused for having a UK driving licence, "do you not have an NZ licence?" - ehhh naw, I am basically on holiday!! The licences here are pretty much the exact same so I fail to see how they think my ID may be a fake just because it's a UK licence!

[Lucius Apuleius]

F... me Deano, you have a bee in your bonnet my son!!! I am nearly 53 years old. If I go into any shop with one of my kids, say the 23 year old, and they refuse me alcohol, you can stick your whole shop up your butt. To say you won't miss me stinks of the old " you have a ****ty pub anyway" as you are thrown out the door. Shops have to start looking after the customers son.

[Steve-O]

F... me Deano, you have a bee in your bonnet my son!!! I am nearly 53 years old. If I go into any shop with one of my kids, say the 23 year old, and they refuse me alcohol, you can stick your whole shop up your butt. To say you won't miss me stinks of the old " you have a ****ty pub anyway" as you are thrown out the door. Shops have to start looking after the customers son.

It was probably him that was the cashier in the OP's story. Jobsworth if ever I saw one.

[Hibs90]

Can maybe understand if things look a bit suspicious but I seriously doubt a 12 year old would be drinking a litre of whisky. Actually on second thoughts...

[CropleyWasGod]

My last post seemed to miss these quotes:



Could you please quote the wording of the manager? Do you have an issue with the policy or the age of the operator?



Again, there seems to be an issue with the age of the operator? Would it be ok if your daughter was refused by a 40 year old?



"

I have an issue with both. I think it is grossly unfair that Tesco put the responsibility on the shoulders of young people, with little life experience, and charge them with making decisions about the morality and intentions of people who are a good deal older than them.

As mentioned before, it should not be beyond Tesco's wit to come up with a scheme that satisfies their legal responsibility, and takes into account the customer's situation. For example, a simple disclaimer signed by the customer that they are not buying alcohol for a minor then transfers that legal responsibility to the customer.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Deano, as I said the policy makes sense if you are serving a group of people that all look around 18. If not, it is simply nonsensical to refuse the sale of a woman with a 17 year old son present buying their weekly shop. At the end of the day a 17 year old consuming alcohol in their parents home is perfectly legal and to refuse that particular sale is a joke.

[Speedy]

F... me Deano, you have a bee in your bonnet my son!!! I am nearly 53 years old. If I go into any shop with one of my kids, say the 23 year old, and they refuse me alcohol, you can stick your whole shop up your butt. To say you won't miss me stinks of the old " you have a ****ty pub anyway" as you are thrown out the door. Shops have to start looking after the customers son.

But the customers can treat the staff like crap and give them all kinds of abuse whenever they like?


I have an issue with both. I think it is grossly unfair that Tesco put the responsibility on the shoulders of young people, with little life experience, and charge them with making decisions about the morality and intentions of people who are a good deal older than them.

As mentioned before, it should not be beyond Tesco's wit to come up with a scheme that satisfies their legal responsibility, and takes into account the customer's situation. For example, a simple disclaimer signed by the customer that they are not buying alcohol for a minor then transfers that legal responsibility to the customer.

You have to be over 18 to authorise an alcohol sale.


Deano, as I said the policy makes sense if you are serving a group of people that all look around 18. If not, it is simply nonsensical to refuse the sale of a woman with a 17 year old son present buying their weekly shop. At the end of the day a 17 year old consuming alcohol in their parents home is perfectly legal and to refuse that particular sale is a joke.

Where would you draw the line though? At the end of the day you shouldn't be refused for having a 17 year old present. It's only if it looks like the alcohol is for them. I accept that some people will make bad judgements but that happens with everything.


Happens over here as well. Was in the Supermarket a few weeks ago, no ID (26 years old at the time), had to get my 21 year old girlfriend with ID to buy the drinks!

I really don't get most of these policies - it is 18 to buy drinks but a lot of policies are now if you look under 25 you will be asked for ID? So, if you appear to be 24, 6 years over the legal age for buying alcohol, you will be asked for ID to prove you are over 18 :confused: Surely you should be ID'd if you look under 18???????????

Even now at 27 I am still getting asked for ID, bit of a joke really...

The best one over here is getting refused for having a UK driving licence, "do you not have an NZ licence?" - ehhh naw, I am basically on holiday!! The licences here are pretty much the exact same so I fail to see how they think my ID may be a fake just because it's a UK licence!

You can be 16 and look 19.

[Barman Stanton]

It was probably him that was the cashier in the OP's story. Jobsworth if ever I saw one.

Surely the term Jobsworth was invented for this guy. Have been id'd recently myself and at 31 it certainly doesnt seem funny at the time. Young lads with that attitude dont help matters at all.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Where would you draw the line though? At the end of the day you shouldn't be refused for having a 17 year old present. It's only if it looks like the alcohol is for them. I accept that some people will make bad judgements but that happens with everything.




I've told you where I'd draw the line. ID young groups who all look around/under 18, and anyone on their own you presume to be under/around 18. Refuse the sale of anyone you believe to have consumed too much alcohol. ENDOF.

Hypothetically if I was at the check out as a 21 year old and I had, say a 15 year old brother with me. You presume I am buying alcohol for both of us, but at the end of the day I, as a legal/responsible adult am breaking no law if I supply him alcohol within the comfort of our home, so the policy clearly breaks down here.

[Speedy]

I've told you where I'd draw the line. ID young groups who all look around/under 18, and anyone on their own you presume to be under/around 18. Refuse the sale of anyone you believe to have consumed too much alcohol. ENDOF.

Hypothetically if I was at the check out as a 21 year old and I had, say a 15 year old brother with me. You presume I am buying alcohol for both of us, but at the end of the day I, as a legal/responsible adult am breaking no law if I supply him alcohol within the comfort of our home, so the policy clearly breaks down here.

You seem to be missing the point.

[Speedy]

Surely the term Jobsworth was invented for this guy. Have been id'd recently myself and at 31 it certainly doesnt seem funny at the time. Young lads with that attitude dont help matters at all.

People with the attitude that it's ok to take the piss out of shop staff, bar staff, people in call centres or whatever don't help. Why should anyone bend the rules for some smart arse individual that thinks they have the right to abuse staff for doing what they're trained to do?

[CropleyWasGod]

You have to be over 18 to authorise an alcohol sale.



.

And?

My point is that many 18 year olds just do not have the maturity or life experience to make a judgement on the morals or intentions of people, who may be twice their age. And, for the avoidance of doubt, I am not blaming them. As I said, it is appalling that Tesco put them in such a position.

[Speedy]

And?

My point is that many 18 year olds just do not have the maturity or life experience to make a judgement on the morals or intentions of people, who may be twice their age. And, for the avoidance of doubt, I am not blaming them. As I said, it is appalling that Tesco put them in such a position.

Many 40 year olds don't have the maturity or life experience to make those judgements. I don't see what difference it makes.

By the way I'm not agreeing with the policies, I couldn't really care less what people do with alcohol. I'm trying to defend the staff because people find it acceptable to give them abuse for nothing.

[Barman Stanton]

People with the attitude that it's ok to take the piss out of shop staff, bar staff, people in call centres or whatever don't help. Why should anyone bend the rules for some smart arse individual that thinks they have the right to abuse staff for doing what they're trained to do?

And who is taking the piss or abusing staff exactly? From your points it seems that you have a very narrow attitude with this. You have clearly been fed the Corporate line and can see no common sense. I work for a bank but dont expect me to agree with and argue the case of all their policies.

[GlesgaeHibby]

You seem to be missing the point.

What is the point I am missing then?

[CropleyWasGod]

Many 40 year olds don't have the maturity or life experience to make those judgements. I don't see what difference it makes.

By the way I'm not agreeing with the policies, I couldn't really care less what people do with alcohol. I'm trying to defend the staff because people find it acceptable to give them abuse for nothing.

No abuse given here to staff. I am the OP.

[Speedy]

And who is taking the piss or abusing staff exactly? From your points it seems that you have a very narrow attitude with this. You have clearly been fed the Corporate line and can see no common sense. I work for a bank but dont expect me to agree with and argue the case of all their policies.

Customers in general do it all the time.

I couldn't care less about whether the policies are right or wrong. They are there regardless. Common sense comes into it and I'm interested to hear which points make you think I can see no common sense.


What is the point I am missing then?

This:


It is Tesco Policy and i believe some other shops that if the cashier thinks the person underage will consume the alcohol they have every right to refuse the sale.

[GlesgaeHibby]

And what exactly makes them think that the person underage may consume the alcohol? This is simply impossible to apply. I have also illustrated that someone who is not old enough to buy the alcohol is entitled to consume it in their own home.

[Barman Stanton]

Customers in general do it all the time.

I couldn't care less about whether the policies are right or wrong. They are there regardless. Common sense comes into it and I'm interested to hear which points make you think I can see no common sense.



I think that in the many stories on this thread the common sense approach would be to sell the alchahol. i.e situations where adults are refused when they are clearly old enough but there is doubt it is for themselves.

It is more so the company policy I have issue with, however I dont think I have ever seen anyone stick up for a supermarket so much!!

[Speedy]

And what exactly makes them think that the person underage may consume the alcohol? This is simply impossible to apply. I have also illustrated that someone who is not old enough to buy the alcohol is entitled to consume it in their own home.

There could be a variety of reasons. Money changing hands between the customers, conversation about what it is they are buying, the amount of alcohol they are buying. It's never going to be perfect but the point is that the staff have to make these judgements so I don't think they deserve a hard time for making them. For what it's worth it sounds like the person in the original situation made the wrong call.

Which is fair enough but it doesn't really come into it. Not that I agree with that.


I think that in the many stories on this thread the common sense approach would be to sell the alchahol. i.e situations where adults are refused when they are clearly old enough but there is doubt it is for themselves.

It is more so the company policy I have issue with, however I dont think I have ever seen anyone stick up for a supermarket so much!!

I wouldn't disagree with that but at the end of the day the staff should refuse the sale in those situations regardless.

It's not the policy I'm trying to defend. I just get annoyed at the abuse people get at my work from customers in these types of situations

Edit: I do have to stress that someone shouldn't be refused solely because they have a minor present. That's ridiculous and there is someone not doing their job properly if that happens.

[GlesgaeHibby]

It's not the policy I'm trying to defend. I just get annoyed at the abuse people get at my work from customers in these types of situations



You're right there. Abuse shouldn't be tolerated in ANY work place. With cases as farcical as illustrated in this thread you can see why people are getting angry with Tesco, and they have to tread carefully here or they will start losing customers.

[Arch Stanton]

Working for Tesco I fully understand the pressure that they are under. We had a few cases last year in the west of Scotland in which test purchases were failed and there was a massive review of policy in the wake of it. The consequences for Tesco as a company for failing a test purchase is potentially massive. The store in question can be fined up to £5000 and lose their alcohol license, worst case scenario is Tesco as a company lose their whole alcohol license. Luckily for us these failed test purchases were from our own mystery shoppers and not the police. Whilst the policy can seem crazy in some cases, Tesco simply cannot afford to take such risks. Using common sense it will be fine, to think that an alcohol sale would be refused for a mother buying her weekly shop with her son/daughter present is madness.

It is also company policy for management to back up their cashiers 100%. If they have made a call, it will be fully supported by management.

From what you are saying Tesco do NOT have a policy on selling alcohol - if what you are saying is true then it is up to the individual cashier to make up his/her own policy - great!

[Hiber-nation]

If the operator believed that the alcohol was for both people why is it a joke? Would it be a joke if it was a 20 year old and 17 year old?



It wasn't a 20 year old and a 17 year old. Why on earth can't a 50 year old be trusted when buying drink with his possibly (although he wasn't in this case!!) underage son not to give him some? Utterly bonkers. Its basically branding every parent as encouraging underage drinking which really isn't on.

[Danderhall Hibs]

They'd be as well sticking a sign up saying "Don't waste your time" - surely the manager has some kind of responsibility to try and explain the rule rather than hiding behind the cashier?!




What do you expect?


Emmm - maybe the manager to manage the situation and not hide behind the cashier's decision. The cashier can't always be correct despite what you may think.

[We done it Dad]

It's not the policy I'm trying to defend. I just get annoyed at the abuse people get at my work from customers in these types of situations

Edit: I do have to stress that someone shouldn't be refused solely because they have a minor present. That's ridiculous and there is someone not doing their job properly if that happens.[/quote]


Firstly, I do not condone anyone getting unwarranted abuse. However, if I was accused of trying to break a law, without any foundation or proof, I would be extremely unhappy, moreso with a Manager who couldn't make a judgement call on selling me alcohol because I was with my thirteen year old daughter.
Secondly, you say "someone is not doing their job properly if that happens" - so who is to blame when things like this do happen. Is it the policy, the cashier or the Manager? Because someone in Tesco is to blame!
I can see the theory behind this, but if a cashier has concerns they should alert a Manager/Supervisor and then it should be the Manager/Supervisor who makes the judgement call, not the cashier. After all, is that not what they are paid for?

[Silky]

Surely, if Tesco refuse to sanction a sale of alcohol because they are of the opinion that a law might be broken then should they not call the Police? Cos in their opinion, they have refused the sale because they have a suspicion that an underage person will consume the alcohol. Therefore, this should be a police matter, no???

[Louise]

Following my previous post..... I was in Tesco tonight doing the weekly shop, just my Mum and myself. Cashier was underage to sell alcohol (still had his school uniform on) and asked me for ID. I said I didnt have any (I did but wanted to see what they said) and that it wasn't my shopping anyway (mum was paying for it), he turns around and says I just have to get my supervisor to authorise the sale. Goes over to the supervisor who says we need ID, she doesnt bother coming over, wee guy starts stating the corporate line he has been fed and then puts the sale through anyway without seeing my ID.

Now I appreciate the wee guy has left himself wide open there but my question is, why is a 16 year old school boy asking me for ID (when he is not old enough to sell it) and also supervisor authority, when he can clearly over ride it. He didnt need any code for the till apparently.

If this is a policy Tesco are going to stick with, then can we please get some consistency?

When I was in Belfast for a few months working, the Tesco there had a separate room for alcohol with a separate till. You could pick up what you needed and pay for it there then continue your shopping. Similar idea to the tobacco kiosk. Thought it was a brilliant idea. Ok, a bit annoying if your doing your weekly shop, but surely this would cut out this nonsense.

Thoughts?

[_hucks_]

Many 40 year olds don't have the maturity or life experience to make those judgements. I don't see what difference it makes.

By the way I'm not agreeing with the policies, I couldn't really care less what people do with alcohol. I'm trying to defend the staff because people find it acceptable to give them abuse for nothing.


Amen! :top marks

The policy may be daft, but it is NOT the staffs fault!

[Lucius Apuleius]

The staff are implementing a daft policy therefore they should unfortunately be prepared to take a bit of a stick. I am not condoning in any way the abuse of people but as pointed out above, if some kid, barely out of their teens told me I could not buy my case of Guinness because my 23 year old son did not have any ID with him I think it would be a saint who turned round and siad they fully agreed with the policy. I am not exactly renowned for my diplomacy in certain circumstances and I can assure you the cashier, who made the decision not to sell me my Guinness, would be told, in absolutely no uncertain terms, what to do with it. I would probably also offer to do it for them and thereby leave myself open to sexual abuse charges.

Now before you jump up on the old high horse again, I should point out I have been in contract catering in every position possible for over 37 years. Do I get extremely upset when people come on here and start slagging down all the caterers at ER? No. Climb down and calm down sonny, everybody is entitled to respect until proven otherwise. Someone refusing me my Guinness is disresepcting me and would be told so.

[Steve-O]

But the customers can treat the staff like crap and give them all kinds of abuse whenever they like?



You have to be over 18 to authorise an alcohol sale.



Where would you draw the line though? At the end of the day you shouldn't be refused for having a 17 year old present. It's only if it looks like the alcohol is for them. I accept that some people will make bad judgements but that happens with everything.



You can be 16 and look 19.

Possibly but can you be 27 and look 17? Highly unlikely I would have thought which is why I have no idea why I still should be getting ID'd and be having to carry around my passport in case I fancy buying some beers.

[Steve-O]

Amen! :top marks

The policy may be daft, but it is NOT the staffs fault!

As it has been stated that it is the cashiers judgement call, then clearly it IS the staff's fault if their judgement is completely ridiculous.

Everyone has already stated that it is fair enough if it is 2 young looking people and one or the other has no idea.

The complaints are about instances where parents are with their kids (who are sometimes over 18 by some distance) not being able to buy alcohol because they MIGHT supply it to a minor.

All Deano seems to be banging on about is staff getting abused when if their judgement was correct in the first place, they wouldn't be the subject of any abuse. It is obviously a very frustrating situation to be in (i.e. not getting sold when you are 40+ or whatever) and I reckon a lot of people would lose their cool over it.

I have worked in plenty bars and agree that UNWARRANTED abuse is not on, but if you act like an erse, then you will probably be treated as such.

[hibbybrian]

There could be a variety of reasons. Money changing hands between the customers, conversation about what it is they are buying, the amount of alcohol they are buying. It's never going to be perfect but the point is that the staff have to make these judgements so I don't think they deserve a hard time for making them. For what it's worth it sounds like the person in the original situation made the wrong call.

Which is fair enough but it doesn't really come into it. Not that I agree with that.

I wouldn't disagree with that but at the end of the day the staff should refuse the sale in those situations regardless.

It's not the policy I'm trying to defend. I just get annoyed at the abuse people get at my work from customers in these types of situations

Edit: I do have to stress that someone shouldn't be refused solely because they have a minor present. That's ridiculous and there is someone not doing their job properly if that happens.

Given the recent propensity for litigation with the hope of financial reward :grr: I suspect it's only a matter of time until someone (in the situation you mention above as being ridiculous :doh:) tries to take legal action against Tesco :soapbox: on the basis that their reputation was damaged by Tesco as they were falsely accused in public of trying to commit a criminal offense.

If, as you say, someone (at Tesco) was not doing their job properly in such a case, and the complainant could show that they were put in an extremely embarrassing situation :embarrass in front of friends and members of the public, I suspect a sympathetic Judge may find in their favour. :dunno:

[GlesgaeHibby]

Possibly but can you be 27 and look 17? Highly unlikely I would have thought which is why I have no idea why I still should be getting ID'd and be having to carry around my passport in case I fancy buying some beers.

I can see you're in NZ but tbf over here getting ID'd isn't the biggest amount of hassle. My driving license stays in my wallet and I need my wallet to buy booze. I can clearly understand your frustration at 27 though, I feel it myself sometimes when I buy alcohol-does the cashier genuinely think I'm 17?!

[The_Todd]

I used to work for Victoria Wine on Castle Street. The cashier always has to err on the side of caution. Always. It's not worth the consequences of getting it wrong the other way.

Both company and staff are under pressure to get it right and have all sorts of legal action awaiting if they do indeed get it wrong. Customers always had a pop when/if they were refused service, but unless you've been behind that counter with all the legal requirements (and store management) hanging over you you just don't know.

As someone else has pointed out, there's "test shoppers" sent in all the time and it's not just the company who face the consequences it's the staff too.

Even if someone shows you ID stating they're over 18 and they look over 25, and it later turns out they were 17 and the ID was fake you're still responsible. All the pressure in these cases is on the cashier.

I know it's easy to have a go at the cashier, but at the end of the day getting a verbal barb from angry customers is much more preferable to the alternative of prosecution, fines and being sacked.

[Speedy]

As it has been stated that it is the cashiers judgement call, then clearly it IS the staff's fault if their judgement is completely ridiculous.

Everyone has already stated that it is fair enough if it is 2 young looking people and one or the other has no idea.

The complaints are about instances where parents are with their kids (who are sometimes over 18 by some distance) not being able to buy alcohol because they MIGHT supply it to a minor.

All Deano seems to be banging on about is staff getting abused when if their judgement was correct in the first place, they wouldn't be the subject of any abuse. It is obviously a very frustrating situation to be in (i.e. not getting sold when you are 40+ or whatever) and I reckon a lot of people would lose their cool over it.

I have worked in plenty bars and agree that UNWARRANTED abuse is not on, but if you act like an erse, then you will probably be treated as such.

That's the thing though. The correct judgement is obviously different from the customer's point of view, as shown in this thread, and the cashier's point of view i.e. doing what they are trained to do.

[Steve-O]

That's the thing though. The correct judgement is obviously different from the customer's point of view, as shown in this thread, and the cashier's point of view i.e. doing what they are trained to do.

How can you be 'trained' to judge the age of someone? Surely it is common sense?

Whilst I am clearly looking much younger than my 27 years :greengrin , there is no danger I look 17, and therefore I cannot fathom why I still get ID'd. I worked in a bar as I said and I found it extremely obvious who was over 18 and who was definitely not??

How can you say the 'correct' judgement is different from the customer's point of view when this thread has clearly shown that the cashier's judgement has been wildly INCORRECT?

[Steve-O]

I can see you're in NZ but tbf over here getting ID'd isn't the biggest amount of hassle. My driving license stays in my wallet and I need my wallet to buy booze. I can clearly understand your frustration at 27 though, I feel it myself sometimes when I buy alcohol-does the cashier genuinely think I'm 17?!

Well, my driving licence was 'missing' for a while, and taking the passport out is a bit of a hassle most of the time really. My licence has now returned, but as I say, I get asked if I have an NZ licence!

At 27, I don't really think I should be getting asked for anything!

Suppose sometimes it's taken as a compliment though! :greengrin

[The_Todd]

How can you be 'trained' to judge the age of someone? Surely it is common sense?


They're trained to be extremely cautious. If there's even the slightest hint of doubt, then ask for ID.

If they don't, then face disciplinary action. Staff in most places like this are watched like hawks - I know I was.

[Woody1985]

What does the operator's age have to do with anything?

Someone acting like a smart rse when they're younger than you psses me off. Although that wasn't the point I was making.

The point I was making was that the rule was used incorrectly in my instance. Not even borderline. That's what pssed me off.

And re your point about people waiting outside and that people don't do that. :LOL: Sure, they all go inside and stand beside the person hoping to get served. :faf:

[Speedy]

How can you be 'trained' to judge the age of someone? Surely it is common sense?

Whilst I am clearly looking much younger than my 27 years :greengrin , there is no danger I look 17, and therefore I cannot fathom why I still get ID'd. I worked in a bar as I said and I found it extremely obvious who was over 18 and who was definitely not??

How can you say the 'correct' judgement is different from the customer's point of view when this thread has clearly shown that the cashier's judgement has been wildly INCORRECT?

You are trained to ask for ID for anyone that looks under 21/25. So if you are 27 then it is very possible you look under 25. Personally I didn't see why they had to change it from 21 to 25 but that's another matter.

OK, the correct judgement CAN be different.


Someone acting like a smart rse when they're younger than you psses me off. Although that wasn't the point I was making.

The point I was making was that the rule was used incorrectly in my instance. Not even borderline. That's what pssed me off.

And re your point about people waiting outside and that people don't do that. :LOL: Sure, they all go inside and stand beside the person hoping to get served. :faf:

If the policy was to ask for ID from anyone that looks under 25 and you are 23 then I don't see what the operator done wrong(apart from being a smartarse which is unnecessary)

Obviously the sensible ones wait outside but I can guarentee you that some people will come in the shop. Do you really put it past people to be that stupid?

[Danderhall Hibs]

If the policy was to ask for ID from anyone that looks under 25 and you are 23 then I don't see what the operator done wrong(apart from being a smartarse which is unnecessary)


If they have ID they will be served won't they?

[Speedy]

If they have ID they will be served won't they?

Yes. One of them didn't though so they never.

[Woody1985]

Yes. One of them didn't though so they never.

My mate looks about 28. I had Id and look my age and that was the problem from our point of view. It wasn't even borderline 17/18.

They should apply some common sense to the rule aswell otherwise it gets ridiculous.

I understand their need to do it but when some wee t!t tries to be a smart rse about it then it psses people off.

[andrew_dundee]

i remember when i worked in the bar at my local bowling alley.

one evening shortly after i had started we had a group of teens/ early 20s and i couldnt decide how old they all were but i sold them anyway as there can be something intimidating about a big group of 18- 24 year olds when your on your own.

anyway shortly after i served them my manager called me to say some plain clothed policemen had been in the building and i was going to be charged for selling to minors...

turned out it was a lie but it was also a lesson, after that i used the rule of thumb that if someone looked under 24 i should id them simply because i wanted to keep my job and avoid a fine :agree:

[scott7_0(Prague)]

Thought I would dig this one back up with a link from the dailymail today.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1158864/Tesco-refused-sell-wine-46-year-old-woman--case-gave-14-year-old-daughter.html

[The_Todd]

Thought I would dig this one back up with a link from the dailymail today.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1158864/Tesco-refused-sell-wine-46-year-old-woman--case-gave-14-year-old-daughter.html


The sad thing is, if the mother *was* buying it for her daughter, the Daily Mail would be the first one on it's high horse to "campaign" against selling alcohol in this situation.

[Sir David Gray]

The sad thing is, if the mother *was* buying it for her daughter, the Daily Mail would be the first one on it's high horse to "campaign" against selling alcohol in this situation.

Maybe so, but surely you can be against people buying alcohol for underagers, but also protest against the ludicrous policy of refusing to sell alcohol to someone, who is clearly over 18, because they have someone with them who is 14. But as soon as that person is sent out the shop, the alcohol is allowed to be bought. :confused:

The fact that the 14 year old wasn't present when the alcohol was bought, makes absolutely no difference to whether or not they'll get to drink it. As I said earlier in this thread, surely if you're going to buy alcohol for someone underage, you wouldn't be stupid enough to bring them into the shop.

So I can therefore only conclude that most people who buy alcohol, whilst in the presence of someone under the age of 18, are not about to supply the alcohol to that person.

[Speedy]

Maybe so, but surely you can be against people buying alcohol for underagers, but also protest against the ludicrous policy of refusing to sell alcohol to someone, who is clearly over 18, because they have someone with them who is 14. But as soon as that person is sent out the shop, the alcohol is allowed to be bought. :confused:

The fact that the 14 year old wasn't present when the alcohol was bought, makes absolutely no difference to whether or not they'll get to drink it. As I said earlier in this thread, surely if you're going to buy alcohol for someone underage, you wouldn't be stupid enough to bring them into the shop.

So I can therefore only conclude that most people who buy alcohol, whilst in the presence of someone under the age of 18, are not about to supply the alcohol to that person.

I don't work for Tesco but I'm fairly sure that's not their policy. They also said they got it wrong in this case.

And as I said earlier in this thread it happens, in general people are stupid. In fact someone has tried that in my work since the last time I told you.

I don't really want to get into this again but it just annoys me when people are so quick to criticise having never been in that situation. Obviously some people will make the wrong decisions but as I said people are stupid.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Maybe so, but surely you can be against people buying alcohol for underagers, but also protest against the ludicrous policy of refusing to sell alcohol to someone, who is clearly over 18, because they have someone with them who is 14. But as soon as that person is sent out the shop, the alcohol is allowed to be bought. :confused:

The fact that the 14 year old wasn't present when the alcohol was bought, makes absolutely no difference to whether or not they'll get to drink it. As I said earlier in this thread, surely if you're going to buy alcohol for someone underage, you wouldn't be stupid enough to bring them into the shop.

So I can therefore only conclude that most people who buy alcohol, whilst in the presence of someone under the age of 18, are not about to supply the alcohol to that person.

The fact that the 14 year old was present should be of no relevance. It was clearly a mother and daughter, and if the mother permitted it, the daughter is legally allowed a drink in the family home anyway.

[Sir David Gray]

I don't work for Tesco but I'm fairly sure that's not their policy. They also said they got it wrong in this case.

And as I said earlier in this thread it happens, in general people are stupid. In fact someone has tried that in my work since the last time I told you.

I don't really want to get into this again but it just annoys me when people are so quick to criticise having never been in that situation. Obviously some people will make the wrong decisions but as I said people are stupid.

Perhaps my use of the word 'policy' was incorrect.

However my original point still stands. The Todd was saying that the Daily Mail would be the very ones who would be on their high horse if the mother had been buying alcohol for her daughter.

All I was trying to get across was, surely it's possible to criticise adults who buy alcohol on behalf of youngsters, whilst also slating shop assistants who refuse to sell alcohol to an adult, purely because they are accompanied by a child.


The fact that the 14 year old was present should be of no relevance. It was clearly a mother and daughter, and if the mother permitted it, the daughter is legally allowed a drink in the family home anyway.

Correct, although all the shop would need to say to back up their stance is that they suspected that the daughter was going to be permitted to drink the alcohol outside, which is illegal.

No-one could really argue with that and, in those circumstances, technically they would be correct to deny the sale to the mother.