FabSwingers.com forum: Challenge 25 lunacy

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Hi all this is my first forum post. I am 42 and was yesterday challenged for ID under the challenge 25 system in a supermarket. In my years of shopping there, it has never occurred.

To abridge the saga, I was refused the sale. Wow! I might look a few years younger than my true age of 42, but even so. Interestingly I went straight to another shop and was sold my beer without so much as an eyebrow being raised.

What's the oldest you've been refused when not having the required photo ID, and were you flattered, angry or a mix of emotions? I was upset because I was clearly not a teenager trying it on yet common sense was unable to prevail, even the manager couldn't intervene as the question had already been asked. Bit of a lottery as to who you get served by. Even the store security guy was baffled having cleared my alcohol sales many times. Worse still, the assistant who refused to pass the sale served me a couple of days previously... and did!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *urora1912Woman
over a year ago

Norfolk East anglia

Did you have a mask on? Did you not have ID on you?

A manager can intervene and approve though.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think I've bought wine once in my life without being ID'd. I still carry it now. I get when I just have alcohol but when it's one bottle of wine with a full weekly shop

I was also ID'd for buying fake eyelashes the other day

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

If it makes you feel better, I was refused a sale of alcohol free cider because I didn't have ID

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

How annoyingly stupid I'd think they were just having a giggle,how old do you reckon the assistant was who refused you?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Chill. They are just doing their job.

I personally love it to be carded (as we call it in the states).

Use to have to do this as a bartender (stateside again) and was in a couple of sting operations but luckily asked for ID. Good thing as the penalties are stiff for getting stung not to mention a quick way to lose your job.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I was asked to lower it, I was then challenged for ID. I don't drive, nor have a passport or any valid photo ID.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

23 tops

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

Many many years ago when u could get cigs at 16 i was asked in sainsbury if i was 16 I happened to have my then 16 year old oldest daughter with me I said I hope so shes 16 and I'm her mum so would have made me 33! She didnt belive me but sold me them was long b 4 all this I d stuff x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *etite_delightWoman
over a year ago

BunnyLand

We were two women out to get couple of Proseccos at the age of 32 across the road and of course no ID with us at the time as we didn’t think we could be challenged. Luckily the couple behind us ended up buying for us and we gave them the cash.

I was quite annoyed tbh considering the person who challenges were much much younger than us.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

I would love to b asked now pmsl! X

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got ID’d for a scratch card when I was buying petrol once

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *eeleyWoman
over a year ago

Dudley

I got asked for ID for cigarettes when I was about 32/33. I just asked if she was serious and she made a joke of it and served me.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’d be delighted to be told I didn’t look 25! Think the last time I was ID’d was when I was trying to get in clubs at 15

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

It's a system in place to protect minors from alcohol and I do respect it. What annoys is that when an obvious misjudged challenge is made, even a manager cannot revoke it and undermine his staff for fear of them not challenging others. It needs a common sense clause. lol.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I got asked about 2 years ago and had my teenager with me.

. In the end the manager approved it

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ilancsguyMan
over a year ago

Burnley

I was challenged by a cashier in Morrisons when I turned 40. I looked at her in disbelief and said I'm 40 to which her reply was "No ID, no alcohol". I had to show my driving licence to buy it.

I was so wanting to say "think you should have gone to Specsavers love" but she was in a right mood

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

The only time that I've been refused service in a pub was about a month after ma 18th birthday. I wouldn't have minded, but I'd been drinking at 3 local pubs since I was 15

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ocksareoffMan
over a year ago

Out n About

I was refused some alcohol in my local Aldi last year when I was 38

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I was challenged by a cashier in Morrisons when I turned 40. I looked at her in disbelief and said I'm 40 to which her reply was "No ID, no alcohol". I had to show my driving licence to buy it.

I was so wanting to say "think you should have gone to Specsavers love" but she was in a right mood

"
Similar situation tbh. A little Miss bossy boots with an answer for everything. Still the old adage 'give someone enough rope and....

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ackformore100Man
over a year ago

Tin town

"I was challenged by a cashier in Morrisons when I turned 40. I looked at her in disbelief and said I'm 40 to which her reply was "No ID, no alcohol". I had to show my driving licence to buy it.

I was so wanting to say "think you should have gone to Specsavers love" but she was in a right mood

Similar situation tbh. A little Miss bossy boots with an answer for everything. Still the old adage 'give someone enough rope and.... "

Isn't that the name of a rather good clash album!

Couple of years ago.. Pryzm in Kingston to see a bands new album release. Tickets ordered online for collection. Collected the tickets... Went to enter club... No photo I'd... No entry... Spent 30 minutes plus manager chat explaining I was in my 50s and so wtf... But the lady was not for turning.... Really peed me off as it was my fave band at the time too.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I was challenged by a cashier in Morrisons when I turned 40. I looked at her in disbelief and said I'm 40 to which her reply was "No ID, no alcohol". I had to show my driving licence to buy it.

I was so wanting to say "think you should have gone to Specsavers love" but she was in a right mood

Similar situation tbh. A little Miss bossy boots with an answer for everything. Still the old adage 'give someone enough rope and....

Isn't that the name of a rather good clash album!

You've got be beat there bud. What a ridiculous scenario. Infuriating when things like this happen. Can you imagine doctors having to work by such inflexible guidlines. Eg. Very sorry but your loved one was given the wrong medicine by doctor A. The medicine doctor B has will save them, but can't dispense it, as it would undermine doctor A.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *igerstyle2k2Man
over a year ago

Oxfordshire

The cashier needs to challenge you if you look under 25. The key word is "look", if you have a babyface they're going to ask you for I.D.

Just take it as a compliment that you look young.

On the other hand, if the cashier doesn't ask someone and that person happens to be underage or random spot test in the store then the cashier gets a personal fine and the store can lose it's licence.

Don't blame the cashier, they're just trying to do their job and they more than likely get enough abuse from customers moaning that their product isn't in stock.

Solution, carry I.D. If you don't have any I.D then get a proof of age card.

"But I shouldn't have to get a proof of age card" then I hope you enjoy being refused a sale.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The cashier needs to challenge you if you look under 25. The key word is "look", if you have a babyface they're going to ask you for I.D.

Just take it as a compliment that you look young.

Don't blame the cashier, they're just trying to do their job and they more than likely get enough abuse from customers moaning that their product isn't in stock.

Solution, carry I.D. If you don't have any I.D then get a proof of age card.

"But I shouldn't have to get a proof of age card" then I hope you enjoy being refused a sale.

Exactly - they are only doing their job. They have a lot to lose if they get caught and you are complaining cause you can’t get your cider

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As someone who has ran pubs for many many years, I can say, good on them for being diligent as the fine is sky high for selling underage. Whilst you might be older than the legal requirement of 18, yes, once the question has been asked, it has to, by law, be followed up with the full procredure.

Feel flattered that they asked! But also please understand they have a job to do and 10k fines aren't afforded easily by most by not being vigilent and carrying out correct licensing proceedures! X

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *teveanddebsCouple
over a year ago

Norwich

Amazon have the harshest policy. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has to produce photo ID with their DOB on it when being delivered age restricted items. They have mystery shoppers and any driver delivering without seeing ID is terminated.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"The cashier needs to challenge you if you look under 25. The key word is "look", if you have a babyface they're going to ask you for I.D.

Just take it as a compliment that you look young.

Don't blame the cashier, they're just trying to do their job and they more than likely get enough abuse from customers moaning that their product isn't in stock.

Solution, carry I.D. If you don't have any I.D then get a proof of age card.

"But I shouldn't have to get a proof of age card" then I hope you enjoy being refused a sale.

Yes, its the way to go I think.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The self scan till questions me all time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"The cashier needs to challenge you if you look under 25. The key word is "look", if you have a babyface they're going to ask you for I.D.

Just take it as a compliment that you look young.

Don't blame the cashier, they're just trying to do their job and they more than likely get enough abuse from customers moaning that their product isn't in stock.

Solution, carry I.D. If you don't have any I.D then get a proof of age card.

"But I shouldn't have to get a proof of age card" then I hope you enjoy being refused a sale.

Exactly - they are only doing their job. They have a lot to lose if they get caught and you are complaining cause you can’t get your cider "

No, I'm miffed at common sense being abandoned and how despite being 17 years above the limit it was decided I was borderline and should be challenged. Could understand a narrow margin of doubt, but not this stark. Everyone I've told at work today have almost cried with laughter. They all agreed I look youthful for 42, but most definitely over 25. I never got angry or rude just a bit embarrassed by the debacle.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"The self scan till questions me all time. "

It was a self service checkout I used. They all flag red if drink,sharps,etc are scanned.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

I was once told I had a fake passport because it doesn't look like a British passport, and all passports look like British passports. (Australian passport. Blue and everything)

I managed to unfreeze my brain just enough to ask for her manager.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

To be fair, you look better than many 25 year olds. Flipping it on its head, what if they miss someone under 25 who looks older?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes it's annoying but it's the sales assistant themselves who gets in to a load of shite and landed with a very hefty fine if they sold it to you without knowing for certain. Once the question has been asked, if no valid ID has been produced, they are not allowed to serve you.

It may have caused a few minutes of inconvenience in your life but if they had continued that sale and you had been underage, it could screw up their entire lives.

They are doing their job.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"Yes it's annoying but it's the sales assistant themselves who gets in to a load of shite and landed with a very hefty fine if they sold it to you without knowing for certain. Once the question has been asked, if no valid ID has been produced, they are not allowed to serve you.

It may have caused a few minutes of inconvenience in your life but if they had continued that sale and you had been underage, it could screw up their entire lives.

They are doing their job. "

For sure

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

"Amazon have the harshest policy. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has to produce photo ID with their DOB on it when being delivered age restricted items. They have mystery shoppers and any driver delivering without seeing ID is terminated.

They handed me a bottle of Gentleman Jack yesterday with no such request.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"To be fair, you look better than many 25 year olds. Flipping it on its head, what if they miss someone under 25 who looks older?"

It would all be so much easier to make the sale of tobacco,alcohol sales ID ONLY. It would remove any personal judgement from the process. It would also simplify the job for staff. As it is and with no option for a manager to overrule a misjudgement its hit or miss.

Probably just apply for a card tbh. Thank you for your feedback all.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Did you have a mask on? Did you not have ID on you?

A manager can intervene and approve though."

Not where I work. Management cannot overthrow the original judgement.

We have failed a few internal secret shoppers this year, if they were external ones, you risk the store losing their selling licence. Its serious stuff.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Did you have a mask on? Did you not have ID on you?

A manager can intervene and approve though.

Not where I work. Management cannot overthrow the original judgement.

We have failed a few internal secret shoppers this year, if they were external ones, you risk the store losing their selling licence. Its serious stuff. "

This!

Go read trading laws people.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *osebud6688Woman
over a year ago

Northampton

I get ID’d pretty much every time I buy alcohol and always have (I’m 31).

I was with a friend and her baby when she tried to buy a bottle of Prosecco. As I couldn’t produce ID they wouldn’t serve her. Both of us were over 30 and a manager could not change this decision - even though I wasn’t buying it and she had ID.

I find it annoying but I understand the staff members have a job to do.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aver999Couple
over a year ago

East Mids

I was called to the cashier at a supermarket petrol station when my wife was struggling to get the pump to work, I was told children are not allowed to operate them. This was about 10 years ago when she was about 40! Although she is petite, was wearing dungarees and had her hair in pigtails

She was also asked around the same age for ID at sainsburys' when buying alcohol

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arkus1812Man
over a year ago

Lifes departure lounge NN9 Northamptonshire East not West MidlandsMidlands

Last year I was challenged at Hobbycraft to prove that I was over 25 when trying to buy a small craft knife, at the time I was 79.

When I queried why I was being challenged the response was that the cash register flashes up that all knife purchases have to be age checked. Common sense seems to be in short supply these days.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Last year I was challenged at Hobbycraft to prove that I was over 25 when trying to buy a small craft knife, at the time I was 79.

When I queried why I was being challenged the response was that the cash register flashes up that all knife purchases have to be age checked. Common sense seems to be in short supply these days."

This is precisely my grievance and dismay at what happened.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"Did you have a mask on? Did you not have ID on you?

A manager can intervene and approve though.

Not where I work. Management cannot overthrow the original judgement.

We have failed a few internal secret shoppers this year, if they were external ones, you risk the store losing their selling licence. Its serious stuff.

This!

Go read trading laws people. "

I find it frustrating but understand why it is and am as well mannered etc as possible.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread