Amazon & ID requirements on age restricted items

DB1904

dwp44 said:

I had a bottle of whisky delivered to my home address this week and the driver requested either a driver’s licence or a passport as a form of ID.

As I don’t drive, my passport was the only option. On showing him my passport, he took a brief glance at my passport photo before proceeding to note down one of the numbers on my passport, inputting it onto his handheld device. He had to glance up at my passport 4-6 times, as he noted whatever number he was inputting (so I doubt it was my year of birth!).

I wasn’t particularly comfortable with this and with hindsight I should have just refused (I also should have got the name of the delivery driver/ company etc). Afterwards the more I thought about it, the more concerned I became, and the more intrusive I found it to be. Surely just looking at my passport which of been suffice?

I complained to Amazon on the same day (questioning whether this was really necessary and how long would they hold this data for). Amazon have forwarded my complaint to the delivery company and I’m awaiting a response.  

In the past on previous orders for whisky from Amazon, I have just been asked to confirm my year of birth.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? Should I be concerned?

I've been asked for ID, date of birth, year of birth and just been given the package no questions asked. 

user1977

Since posting above, I was at a friend's place today while they received an Amazon delivery and all he had to do was state his year of birth - though he is convincingly from the 1970s! While I (no younger!) had to produce ID for my last delivery - so they're obviously not consistent in practice.

MalMonroe

A couple of weeks ago my Christmas bottle of sherry was delivered by Royal Mail. Nobody knocked on the door or asked me for proof of my ID. The parcel was left in our 'safe place' for post. Maybe it was because the postman knows me and knows who lives here? I'm not sure. But whatever, it came from amazon and nobody cared whether or not I was old enough. I am, though, honest guv.

1. Don't be concerned.
2. They are very inconsistent.
3. Enjoy your whisky!
4. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

I wouldn't have complained because I really feel sorry for all the delivery drivers, everywhere. They are doing a great job under extreme duress. They don't always get it right but I'd hate to think that someone lost their job because of any complaint I made. In the scheme of things, it isn't worth it.

LaHostessAvecLaMostess

user1977 said:

Since posting above, I was at a friend's place today while they received an Amazon delivery and all he had to do was state his year of birth - though he is convincingly from the 1970s! While I (no younger!) had to produce ID for my last delivery - so they're obviously not consistent in practice.

I've never been asked for ID, only for my year of birth, and frequently not asked at all, and I'm not particularly old (but certainly don't look under 18.)

Murphybear

I bought a bottle of Cointreau in Morrison’s and the person serving me asked if I were over 18.  We both started laughing.  I am 51 years older than 18 

jon81uk

user1977 said:

Since posting above, I was at a friend's place today while they received an Amazon delivery and all he had to do was state his year of birth - though he is convincingly from the 1970s! While I (no younger!) had to produce ID for my last delivery - so they're obviously not consistent in practice.

May well depend on the courier company, Royal Mail will be different to Amazon Logistics who will be different to DPD and so on. Also the individual courier delivering will be different and depends how worried they are of losing their job or getting prosecuted.

really  not a surprise there is a large variation in this.