Strange Tesco Policy

david39

My daughter, who is 34, always has to provide proof of age when she buys alcohol in Tescos.

She thinks this is quite flattering and ONLY buys alcohol at Tescos now as she takes it as an insult that other retailers don't question her!

In the case of the OP this was not an instance of a stupid employer - both Tescos and the checkout operator were quite correct - far better that underage purchasers are weeded out this way and the occasional genuine customer gets rejected, than the other way round.

I'm not a great fan of Tescos but, on this occasion, they were acting with responsibility and that will be recognised by the vast majority of right-minded people.

kje_2

Hasn't this all become a bit silly and OTT ? When I were a lad I carried my paper driving license to prove that I was 18. Ok, at the time I looked borderline but all I needed was the driving license to prove that I was 18. Now, it's if you look under 21, 25, 30.... Come on, it's just getting daft. The cynic in me says that it's the government getting a generation accostomed to carrying and showing ID.

pinkshoes

kje wrote: »

Hasn't this all become a bit silly and OTT ? When I were a lad I carried my paper driving license to prove that I was 18. Ok, at the time I looked borderline but all I needed was the driving license to prove that I was 18. Now, it's if you look under 21, 25, 30.... Come on, it's just getting daft. The cynic in me says that it's the government getting a generation accostomed to carrying and showing ID.

Given the level of alcohol consumption in under 18s has increased massively over the last 10 years, they need to do something.

Although the Think 25 scheme is annoying, I think it's actually quite sensible. It's just a shame they can't couple their attempt to reduce under age drinking, with another scheme to give them alternative activity to participate in.

before_hollywood

what makes me laugh more is that tesco accept i am over 18 and will send alcohol to my door but if i dare to drive and go and get it then i suddenly am not nearly 30

djb215

kje wrote: »

Hasn't this all become a bit silly and OTT ? When I were a lad I carried my paper driving license to prove that I was 18. Ok, at the time I looked borderline but all I needed was the driving license to prove that I was 18. Now, it's if you look under 21, 25, 30.... Come on, it's just getting daft. The cynic in me says that it's the government getting a generation accostomed to carrying and showing ID.

It's also the naughty 'C' word that comes in to play, 'Compensation'!!!

For example let's say that a 22-year-old-looking-17-year-old went to buy 3 bottles of Absolut, got heavily intoxicated and got hit by a car.

The parents of the 17 year old could potentially sue Tesco for selling the alcohol and as a result being injured, regardless of the fact that the 17 year old was being stupid, they would be classed as a minor.

All depends on interpretation, but though some think of it being extreme it's simply covering all legal bases more than anything.

At the QuickPay kiosks at Argos you used to be able to buy anything on them, but now we can't sell any items such as gas refil cartridges, video games rated 12 or over, knives, gambling stock such as poker chips and table tops, certain stationary such as scissors through the kiosk because they're all classed as "age restricted", where Trading Standards make regular checks.

I always carry my pink driving license in my wallet, if people just remember to do that or those who don't drive just remember to take your passport when buying alcohol/cigs.

Brooker_Dave

djb215 wrote: »

Many retail staff are told to 'Think 25', so if the cashier wasn't convinced you looked older than 25 then they can refuse to serve you and your partner

Why is it 25?

The legal age to buy booze is 18?

Why mess people around for 7 years?

Tescos are as bad as the greedy dentists...

System

I thought tesco's policy had changed to IDing anyone who looked under 30?

Having worked in a nightclub trying to tell from looking at them if someone is 18 is incredibly hard. Its much easier to try and gauge if they are 25, if not id them.

There's no excuse not to have id. I always carry mine with me and i don't whinge when i get id. At the end of the day it is their jobs and the company's livelihood at stake.

Brooker_Dave

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

There's no excuse not to have id.

Other than the fact that we live in a free country.

zfrl

Brooker_Dave wrote: »

Why is it 25?

The legal age to buy booze is 18?

Why mess people around for 7 years?

Tescos are as bad as the greedy dentists...

What?

The legal age to buy booze is 18? Yes you can buy at 18 if you can prove you are.

Have you had a bad experience with a dentist? Please don't share here start a new thread!

kriss_boy

Ok, I understand- the policy is based on stereotypes and not guidelines.

If an older mother or father figure buys alcohol in the presence of their 8 or 9 year old then it couldnt possibly be for anyone elses consumption other than their own.

If a 25 year old buys it with someone who looks older than a toddler but not significantly older than 18 then theres an issue. Weird.

My bank card may not be photo ID but its the card theyve accepted as payment for the last 6 or 7 years lol.

I appreciate the sentiment of the policy but its flawed to say the least.