Budgens pantomime for alcohol

Biggles

I bought some beer at my local Budgens this afternoon.

At the checkout, the guy said, "Ah, alcohol, can you read that notice, please?", pointing to a notice on the counter near him.

I had vaguely seen it earlier that week, something about being over 18 etc so I said, "Yes, I've read it, thanks, OK?".

He said, "Yes but now can you press that button?".

And I saw there was a bellpush next to the sign. I said, "Why, what does that do?". He said, "Nothing, it just rings but I have to ask you to press it".

So I did, and a bell rang above him. Nothing else happened, nobody came to check I was over 18 (I am ridiculously over 18 anyway), I complimented him on his nice bell and I paid for my beer.

I can see this is going to happen every time I buy alcohol there in future. I think if they find it necessary that a bell rings, then they should ring their ruddy bell, though it might mean my getting my beer somewhere else if I tell them that.....

Does this kind of pantomime happen anywhere else?

dangeroussports

It's probably just a laugh. At your expense.

Dont worry though, its just a bell.

C_Ronaldo

Ive not noticed a bell in the local budgens but ive only been in there a few times and not lately

Jockthearab

Personally I would've kept my finger on the button for a silly length of time...:)

Stephen_Leak

Its probably so that someone, who isn't under-age themselves, can check that it isn't being bought by someone under-age.

They have a high tech' version of the same thing with the automatic checkouts as ASDA. When it detects the barcode for alcohol, it signals the "attendant" to check.

However, the computer voice announces "Approval required". One day, I've promised myself, I am going to pick up the bottle and say to it, "OK. You are a wonderful bottle of ..."

kuohu

Pavlov's lesser known experiments involving Budgens staff.

Man rings bell, checkout person sells him beer.

vikingaero

I think if the checkout person is under 18 they are not allowed to sell alcohol. Maybe the bell rings in security or a managers office and they look at you over CCTV to see if you are old enough?

tripled

vikingaero wrote: »

I think if the checkout person is under 18 they are not allowed to sell alcohol. Maybe the bell rings in security or a managers office and they look at you over CCTV to see if you are old enough?

Legally that can't be done. I've worked in Supermarkets and bars for years, the transaction has to be personally approved by a member of staff over the age of 18. It can't be nodded through from a distance or just 'ring a bell'. Although in many places they are lax in enforcing this (I frequently sold alcohol without having it checked when I was younger, it depended on which supervisor was working), it would be sheer stupidity to bring it in as a head policy as they would be guaranteed to be brought to book.

It is possible it is an age related thing though, as it means not just the till staff but also a supervisor looks to see who is buying so both are happy you are over 18.

Biggles

No, the checkout person was over 18 and no supervisor paid any attention anyway. In fact, no-one paid any attention, which is why I object to going through such a pantomime. I got the impression all staff have to do it for any customer buying alcohol.

I like Jockthearab's suggestion of a very long bell-press, it's got to be either that or, "Yes, I've read it, if you want the bell to ring, press it yourself".

Ivrytwr3

I complimented him on his nice bell

PMSL!!!

What a ridiculous policy. As previously pointed out, dependant on what frame of mood i was in, it would either be the long bell press, but more than likely the checkout operator would get a "press it yourself"

RadoJo

I believe that it is to indicate that you are claiming to be over 18, you understand that law, and you agree - similar to ticking those 'terms and conditions' boxes on websites. I suspect it is probably to avoid liability should you then turn out to be either under 18 or buying it for someone under 18.

Sounds bloody ridiculous though - hope they get one in my local Budgens...!