PENSIONER Tony Ralls slammed a supermarket’s alcohol purchasing policy as “ridiculous” after he refused to confirm he was over 21 to check-out staff.

Oct 17 2007 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

We asked if Morrison’s was right in its challenge – or were staff being over-zealous? Here are some of the responses posted on Wirral Forums on our website www.wirralnews.co.uk

WHATEVER happened to common sense? You would have thought the manager could have used his power and sorted it out. But then again I’m giving the manager common sense when that’s what’s missing. Good for you, Tony. Sainsbury’s is a better shop anyway.

BLUE STEVE

I KNOW it may be inconvenient to show proof of age for some people, but working on a checkout in a supermarket is not always easy, trying to judge the age of people is difficult and it is much easier to just ask anyone wanting to purchase alcohol to prove their age – not a lot to ask really.

It is the checkout operator’s responsibility to decide wether the person buying the alcohol is of the right age, or that they are not already drunk, also that they are not purchasing it for someone who is under-age.

I work on a checkout and would like anyone wanting to purchase alcohol to carry proof of age, because so many people get offended when asked. We have been threatened, sworn at and called all sorts of terrible things when we have asked politely for some sort of proof of age. We are only trying to abide by the law and do our job properly.

People complain about the disruptive behaviour of drunken youths on the streets and always want to know where it was obtained. Surely if everyone adopted the same policy, this would make it harder for them to get hold of the alcohol, but then the people who get offended and start complaining don't make it any easier for the people selling it, do they?

DEBS

THANKS to Tony Ralls and the article published about West Kirby Morrison’s, I am going to be another pensioner who will not shop at that store. They say you can get twice the amount in your trolley than another store for the same price. I would sooner go to the other store and not be asked ludicrous, thoughtless, ridiculous, stupid questions.

NOSTRA

WHAT an absolute farce. Common sense should prevail. I was under the impression that alcohol could be purchased at the age of 18 anyway, so why the policy covering 21-year-olds? I can appreciate that there are those of us who are lucky enough to look under 21 so yes, cover yourself, go do your stuff and ask for ID in those circumstances.

I have shopped for beer in Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Lidl and Netto – not all in the same day – and I have never been asked to prove that I am over 21.

I think that Morrisons have shown themselves to have a downright lack of respect for their elders. Hey Morrisons, I have a feeling that your alcohol sales may fall. Don’t forget that us pensioners don’t just buy the odd bottle of wine / spirits, we also do our weekly shop. I hope that you feel the pinch! Have someone with common sense and review your policy.

GRUMPY OLD MAN