FD
Freya Davies
Mar 25, 2026
I’d like to raise a concern about an inconsistent experience I had in-store.
My friend, who is 18, was asked for ID when purchasing a Red Bull. After she showed valid ID, staff then asked to see mine as well, despite the fact that we were making separate purchases. I was not buying any age-restricted items and didn’t have ID with me for that reason. Because I couldn’t provide ID, they refused to serve her.
I believe that if someone is making a purchase on their own and can provide valid ID, other customers should not be required or pressured to show ID for items that are not theirs.
Later, when I went to the counter on my own (after my friend had already left), I was still told I needed to show ID, even though I was only purchasing regular items. I explained the situation, but was told that if I had been with someone earlier, I would still need to be ID’d regardless.
However, around two hours later, I returned to the same store with my sister while she purchased a bottle of gin, and I was not asked for ID at all.
This feels inconsistent and confusing. If this is truly store policy, it doesn’t seem to be applied uniformly. I would appreciate clarification on how these rules are meant to work, as well as more consistency in how they are enforced for customers. I’d also love an explanation on if someone is stood on their own making a purchase why other people are being asked to show ID for something that isnt theirs. It seems a bit silly considering i can stand next to my sister who is 25 (i am 17) while she purchases alcohol and i wasnt ID once(same women on shift).