Tesco alcohol refusal

[chongalolo]

My son (24) went with gf (17) to buy some alcohol at Tesco yesterday. They refused to sell it to him, saying that "he might pass it on to his girlfriend in the car park!!" Can they do this? Is it any of their business what happens outside the store? Do they also refuse to sell to any adults who have their children or any young person with them?

[Buenchico]

It is a criminal offence for a retailer to supply alcohol to an adult if the retailer believes that the alcohol may then be supplied to a person under 18 years of age. Tesco should be congratulated for ensuring that their staff are aware of the law.

Chris

[Sammy Snake]

Yes. I work in an off-license and we are not allowed to sell alcohol to anyone that we think may be buying it for anyone under age.

[veritymoon]

i think the tesco staff can be fined for selling it without asking so maybe thats why there so carefull?

[sammd]

I've bought alcohol loads of times when i've had my younger brother with me and it hasn't been a problem. Maybe next time your son's girlfriend could meet him outside to save the hassle of going back again...

[chongalolo]

Thanks for the info, folks! The irony of this situation is that my son was buying a bottle of champagne to celebrate gf's 18th birthday (today, on New Years Day) so now she's all legal and shouldn't have any more problems at the checkout.

[gary baldy]

Wasnt there a change in law recently where the person selling the alcohol (not the company - the poor underpaid shop assistant) could be fined heavily for selling to a minor? i think thats why shop assistants are now so on top of this.

[meltoadhall]

just out of interest how did they know she was 17? did he tell them ? or does she look very young - unusual in this day and age - with 3 nieces of 15 who look 25!!!

[chongalolo]

Meltoadhall, I think they were both asked for ID (she is a short and petite ballet dancer) - she will probably always look younger than her years, lucky girl!

[dannydingbat]

Yes, the Licensing Act came in on 24th November. It is one of my duties at work to prosecute offenders under the Act. There are lots of offences involving children and alcohol and the individuals will be responsible, rather than a company, if anything goes wrong. They were just being cautious as there is a lot of test purchasing by kids on behalf of the police and trading standards at present. The relevant sections and offences can be seen at:-

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30017--h.htm#145

[newquizzer]

All retail outlets now have signs stating that if you look under 21 you will have to prove identity/age, so her problems are not over!!

[prohibited]

Same thing happened to me when I was younger. Boyfriend was 23 and I was 17 and we were both asked for idea. Trouble is, the same thing is still happening to me now although I'm 22.

[AliFlump]

Im 22 and have to take my passport everywhere with me to prove my age.