Man, 72, refused alcohol over age

[MRGTB]

Supermarket staff refused to sell alcohol to a white-haired 72-year-old man - because he would not confirm he was over 21.

Can you believe that. :D

Read the full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7003325.stm

[Quillz]

Maybe they thought he had the same physical issues that Robin Williams faced in "Jack."

[Freesteyelz]

Nah. Policy is policy. If the procedure is to check the ID of a customer purchasing alcohol, to confirm he/she is 21 years of age or older, it should be enforced without prejudice.

[Comtech]

Nah. Policy is policy. If the procedure is to check the ID of a customer purchasing alcohol, to confirm he/she is 21 years of age or older, it should be enforced without prejudice.

I disagree. It was apparent the man was older than 21 and thus he should not have been required to provide any ID.

[Dilly]

Good. Now they just need to refuse to under 21s and anyone in between 21 and 72 and it will be perfect

[Freesteyelz]

I disagree. It was apparent the man was older than 21 and thus he should not have been required to provide any ID.

Who's to decide that? Not the employee. Now the manager came in and made his decision not to sell the two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon unless the customer provided his ID. How difficult is that? Simply by sticking with his principles Mr. Rall, the 72 year old customer, left without the alcohol. He lost out. It was he who didn't see the humor of it all.

As for whether or not it was apparent that the man was 21 years or older is not the point. The policy's procedure and how it is enforced is. Not too long ago stores had the policy in place that if a customer's age was questionable he/she could be carded. That left the discretion to the employees and unfortunately left many stores with heavy fines because employees made the wrong decision and sold alcohol to minors. By having a policy in place that says everyone is to be carded keep matters black and white.

[ManagerJosh]

If a store consistently demands ID for purchases like alcohol, then what the store did above was correct.

If the store was inconsistent and only demands ID when the clerk opts to do it, then I will have to say that the store was incorrect on this one.

[Vile]

I disagree. It was apparent the man was older than 21 and thus he should not have been required to provide any ID.

Nope, it doesn't work like that.
Waaaay back in the day I used to work retail at a store that sold alcohol. The policy of this particular store was to check for ID on all alcohol purchases, regardless of age. Signs stating this policy were plastered all over the place, and even then there were occasions where the older customers (60-70) were turned down if they couldn't show ID.

This is nothing really shocking at all, it's not a big deal.

*edit, I have not read the article, but was merely commenting on the quote above.

[Creepshow]

Typical frigging Morrisons. They're retards.

My mum worked there for a year or so and they treated her like crap.

F--- Morrisons.

[MRGTB]

Typical frigging Morrisons. They're retards.

My mum worked there for a year or so and they treated her like crap.

F--- Morrisons.

You'll find thats the same with most large supermarkets the way there run. I used to work for another very well known one for 8 years. They're all full of wannabe charge-hands with not a single braincell between them. Who only get there because they either tell tails or suck up to management. And have no people skills whats-so-ever!

Can't believe I spent 8 years there. So does everybody else I used to know who worked there also and left.

[Wayne Luke]

In California, the law states that if you appear to be under the age of 35 that you must show ID when purchasing alcohol. The legal purchase age is 21. I am 36 and haven't been asked for ID for 5 years. Of course, my wife and I go to the same store all the time and we will go to the same checkers each time we visit, even if we have to wait in line.

Of course, I could just order it all online. The UPS driver never checks for ID.

[slappy]

As one who actually worked in a liquor store in California way back in 1965 :eek:, at that time the fine for the employee who might even accidently sell liquor to someone not legally entitled to purchase it was $500, plus a fine for the Store, itself.

At that time, circa 1965, the minimum wage in California was $1.00 per hour, so the fine of the employee was equilivant to 500 hours of work, or 10+ weeks of a 40 hour week. A VERY significant event a struggling college student did not want to occur. Of course the fine has gone up and substantially more than the minimum wage usually paid to such people, so I can understand why a clerk might stand by the "letter of the law" and/or the instructions from the boss. ;)

Regards,

[MRGTB]

Oh lets get real here, how many of you who are adults take ID with you into a shop when you buy beer. And when your 72 years old. Do you seriously think that would even cross your mind - That you might get asked to provide ID of your age.

If I'd have been that bloke I would have said. "Thats very flatering that you don't even think I look 18, I must look really good for my age". LOL

[Zachery]

You should ALWAYS have your id on you period.

[MRGTB]

Yeah, we all know YOU SHOULD always carry ID on you in-case you have an accident or something like that. Touch wood!

But it's something most of us just don't do. For reasons like, fear of losing it and it getting into the wrong hands etc. You are supposed to alwasy carry all your car documents around in the car in-case the police pull you over. But how many do that?

[Jim Ellis]

"most of us" ? I don't know anyone that doesn't carry at least their drivers license... hmmm

[Zachery]

"most of us" ? I don't know anyone that doesn't carry at least their drivers license... hmmm
Ditto, I've fogoten it once while driving, and got pulled over. Fortunatly it was a local cop who i knew and I was just pulled over for a busted light.

[Racecar]

Poor fella just wanted to catch a buzz... I'm sure he went to the store next door!! lol

[MRGTB]

"most of us" ? I don't know anyone that doesn't carry at least their drivers license... hmmm

Ditto, I've fogoten it once while driving, and got pulled over. Fortunatly it was a local cop who i knew and I was just pulled over for a busted light.

Take note, neither of you come from the UK. Where things are different. :D

[Wayne Luke]

But it's something most of us just don't do. For reasons like, fear of losing it and it getting into the wrong hands etc. You are supposed to alwasy carry all your car documents around in the car in-case the police pull you over. But how many do that?

I would say every driver in California at least. Don't have your registration in the vehicle if you get pulled over its a minimum of a $750.00 fine, on top of everything else and you can get your car impounded. Driving without proof of insurance and its the same. Drive without your license on your person, kiss your car goodbye and you could be spending the night in the local jail.

Oh impound fees in Southern California cost about $400 per day plus towing fees.

[MRGTB]

But thats were things are different though in the UK. That would not happen in the UK. You would be given a ticket and asked to produce your car documents within 5-7 days at the local police station. So there is no incentive to risk leaving important car documents in your car here in the UK that could fall into the wrongs hands to be used for fraud purposes etc. If your car was broken into.

Its a different culture here in the UK, hence why the 72 year old man had no ID on him. None of my mates walk around with ID on them all the time.

[Zachery]

But thats were things are different though in the UK. That would not happen in the UK. You would be given a ticket and asked to produce your car documents within 5-7 days at the local police station. So there is no incentive to risk leaving important car documents in your car here in the UK that could fall into the wrongs hands to be used for fraud purposes etc. If your car was broken into.

Its a different culture here in the UK, hence why the 72 year old man had no ID on him. None of my mates walk around with ID on them all the time.
It just seems stupid, there is no reason for you not to have some sort of ID on you at all times.

[MRGTB]

That depends how easy you lose things :)

People just have the attitude that important documents like your driving license etc, are best left at home in a safe place where they can't be loosed. Rather than carrying them around with you if there not really needed that day.

Plus its a very rare thing what happened to that 72 year old bloke. And whats funny about that is this, only this week there was a program on television were underage kids went into different shops to buy beer. And it just so happens they did it on a very well known supermarket and they sold beer. Which they highlighted in the program at the end.

My guess is they just wanted to make an example of this after the bad press they had for selling beer to underage kids in the same week.

[ManagerJosh]

Californians always carry a drivers license or some sort of government issued ID. We do it out of habit. You're more likely to loose it at home due to theft or just plain loose it.

[Jim Ellis]

People just have the attitude that important documents like your driving license etc, are best left at home in a safe place where they can't be loosed. Rather than carrying them around with you if there not really needed that day.

I would say you need your drivers license if you are driving. Many years ago you used to be able to get away with showing it later at the PD, but not any longer. If you have other ID they might do a record search and verify that you have a valid DL and if you do let you off with a warning. Usually only in small towns though.

[MRGTB]

Na, if anybody else is like me they have a folder, or a draw etc. Where they keep all there important documents together, so you always know where they are. Much less likely to lose it I'd say.

And less likely to be stolen also. As most people break into houses for money and goods to sell. Unlike if they break in your car and only have to open you glove compartment to find the documents, not that many hidding places in a car.

[MRGTB]

I would say you need your drivers license if you are driving. Many years ago you used to be able to get away with showing it later at the PD, but not any longer. If you have other ID they might do a record search and verify that you have a valid DL and if you do let you off with a warning. Usually only in small towns though.

No still the same. Ask anybody here from the UK. they'll tell you the same as I have. 5-7 days to produce your docs.

They usually check the car reg, and your name, date of birth, address etc over the radio anyway. Only if they have a serious reason to think your lying might they arrest you.

Otherwise as I said.

[ManagerJosh]

Identity theft is a growing crime.

[MRGTB]

Identity theft is a growing crime.

Yes it sure is, it was only highlighted on the radio here this week that it's gone up in the UK "10 fold" since they allowed all the immigrants into the UK. That's what they police are blaming it on anyway (I agree).

Another reason why we don't like to leave anything in cars of importance with personal information that can be used.

[Jim Ellis]

They usually check the car reg, and your name, date of birth, address etc over the radio anyway.

But you leave all that stuff at home. Without any ID how do they know who you are, if the vehicle is registered/insured etc?

[MRGTB]

Well I know were your coming from. But the police can check the car reg against the owner over the radio and also know if the car is taxed and insured there and then. So they can ask you questions like were you live, your age, date of birth, address, NI number, place of work etc. To see if they think you are the owner driver. They already know if the car is taxed and insured.

If you answer all the questions right. They have no reason to suspect anything and just issue a ticket.

I guess there are some cases when they might still think otherwise. But it's never happened to me. I've been pulled quite a few times driving, while going fishing late at night in the Lake District by police. "poachers and all that". Same old story and produce docs. But not in all cases do I even get asked to produce docs in scenarios like that.

[Jim Ellis]

Yes it sure is, it was only highlighted on the radio here this week that it's gone up in the UK "10 fold" since they allowed all the immigrants into the UK. That's what they police are blaming it on anyway (I agree).

Another reason why we don't like to leave anything in cars of importance with personal information that can be used.

Same here. I have to laugh :D when I hear the police chief saying things like "don't leave your registration in your car" - his officers still expect it and won't let you off the hook because you follow the advice of the chief......

[MRGTB]

good one - need I say more when even the chief of police says don't leave them in your car.

So when the police say. Why do you not have the docs in your car.

Your answer - police of chief told me not too. :D

[ManagerJosh]

If you answer all the questions right. They have no reason to suspect anything and just issue a ticket.



How would one know if the answers are correct? I could just straight off tell him someone else's info.

[Dilly]

But it's something most of us just don't do. For reasons like, fear of losing it and it getting into the wrong hands etc. You are supposed to alwasy carry all your car documents around in the car in-case the police pull you over. But how many do that?Speak for yourself. I always have my wallet on me. Always.

[Wayne Luke]

And less likely to be stolen also. As most people break into houses for money and goods to sell.

Those IDs would be worth good money on the gray market. Identity theft is rising worldwide.

[Freesteyelz]

Identity theft is a growing crime.

I haven't checked the latest stats but from I read before Hawaii ranks up there in the U.S. I think it was or is #1. Of course nothing to be proud of.

The gruesome reality is some identity thieves are getting so bold as to murdering their victims and then assuming their identities.

[Freesteyelz]

If I'd have been that bloke I would have said. "Thats very flatering that you don't even think I look 18, I must look really good for my age". LOL

That would have been the preferred response. Mr. Ralls would have had his two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and that would have been the end of it. No story, just another satisfied customer.

[dynamite]

I am a police officer in South Carolina. Everytime we stop someone the driver is required to produce a valid drivers license, registration card, and proof of insurance. Failure to produce a drivers license is a fine of $76.87, failure to have the registration card in their possession is also $76.87, and failure to show proof of insurance is $232.50. If we are unable to verify valid insurance with an agent or insurance company, then most likely your car is going to be towed (which is another $80 plus storage fees), and if you are found to be operating without insurance, it is $440 and you go to jail!

Here you can't just get by with asking people their information. You would be surprised how many people lie. I have seen people give their brothers/sisters information that they know everything. If I ever stop someone who doesn't have a drivers license on them and they have to give me their information, not only do I write them a ticket for no drivers license in possession, I also go back to our state database and pull up their drivers license photo to see if the persons look the same. If I find out they lied, then I will track them down and charge them with providing false information to police. I stopped a guy the other day, who looked close to 40. He handed me a drivers license, and when I went to write the ticket I noticed that the person on the drivers license had just turned 18! People will lie, even with documents!

For people in the US, there is no excuse for them to not carry a photo id or drivers license on them at all times!

[Cromulent]

But you leave all that stuff at home. Without any ID how do they know who you are, if the vehicle is registered/insured etc?

They do have radios you know :). Does not take long for them to do an identity check to make sure you are who you say you are.

I agree, carrying around your ID is a waste of time. If you don't drive you would have to carry around your passport which is absurd. There is nothing else really.

[ManagerJosh]

But the point is, how do you prove who you are? I can say I'm Kier and rattle off his information, but would anyone believe me? :p

[MRGTB]

I am a police officer in South Carolina. Everytime we stop someone the driver is required to produce a valid drivers license, registration card, and proof of insurance. Failure to produce a drivers license is a fine of $76.87, failure to have the registration card in their possession is also $76.87, and failure to show proof of insurance is $232.50. If we are unable to verify valid insurance with an agent or insurance company, then most likely your car is going to be towed (which is another $80 plus storage fees), and if you are found to be operating without insurance, it is $440 and you go to jail!

Here you can't just get by with asking people their information. You would be surprised how many people lie. I have seen people give their brothers/sisters information that they know everything. If I ever stop someone who doesn't have a drivers license on them and they have to give me their information, not only do I write them a ticket for no drivers license in possession, I also go back to our state database and pull up their drivers license photo to see if the persons look the same. If I find out they lied, then I will track them down and charge them with providing false information to police. I stopped a guy the other day, who looked close to 40. He handed me a drivers license, and when I went to write the ticket I noticed that the person on the drivers license had just turned 18! People will lie, even with documents!

For people in the US, there is no excuse for them to not carry a photo id or drivers license on them at all times!

Good job I don't live there, I'd be skint by now. :D

[ManagerJosh]

I think what dynamite said generally applies to all 50 states in the United States.