Got this from here and fark.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5914307/Woman-28-told-to-prove-age-to-buy-pizza-cutter.html
NOT A REFERRAL LINK
Jenny Palmer, 28, was asked for her ID at the checkout after she went to the retailer's Derby store to buy the £1.50 item.
"I'm only two years off my 30th birthday and hardly look like I'm going to go out and physically harm someone," she said.
"I told the checkout woman I was buying it because I was moving into a new house, but she said her screen was telling her to ask for ID. I think she could have used some common sense. I can't believe I had to go through all of that just to buy a pizza-cutter, of all things."
M&S insisted its employee was right to demand proof of age from Ms Palmer under the 'Challenge 25' policy.
Staff are required to ask for identification from any customer who tries to buy alcohol or a bladed item and appears younger than 25.
A spokesman said: "Our policy is not to sell knives or bladed articles to persons under 18, and a pizza-wheel fits into to that category. We are a responsible retailer, and our customers expect us to be vigilant in providing blades if people appear to be underage."
Last year Tesco told cashiers not to sell alchol to shoppers of any age if they suspected the drink would be passed on to underage youths.
What the hell? This is so damn stupid. And on the last sentence how the hell would they know if someone was going to give booze to underage youths? How can you suspect that? What the hell is wrong with England?
[question posted by darkjedi1]
responses and comments:
lol I'd be complimented, hey, so I'm nearly 30 but she think's I'm under 25 - COOL!!! I could take a lot of that! Or, to put it another way - a few of the roomie's co-workers thought I was her MOM because I have mostly white hair! GIVE me a BREAK! I'm only 7 yrs older! [ElicBxn]
If they'd seen us out of the car, they might've thought differently - we really look NOTHING alike - except we could both lose a lot of weight [ElicBxn]
i guess if it even remotely resembles a box cutter nowadays.. although you'd really have to be mad to do damage with a pizza cutterlol they pull that here too with the booze.probably because a lot of idiots do buy it for kids.but then,this is the town where they smoke blunts within view of the police station windows..durrrrrdoh [scarlet_woman]
And strong too lol. Hell sometimes pizza cutters dont even cut pizza very well, I can only imagine doing it to skin lol. [darkjedi1]
hi babe:) that is so ridiculous. kinda makes you wonder what's going to be next doesn't it. if that happened to me i don't know if i could stop laughing long enough to be mad about it though. [skyhss]
Whats next is fire departments and rescue and all that having to fill out forms before they rescue someone. Oh wait they already do there lol. [darkjedi1]
This case does seem a little stupid but there are valid reasons for the laws we have (this case is not a good example) There is a complete ban on handguns in the UK...NOBODY is allowed a gun and carrying one gets the offender a mandatory five year jail sentence. We have a real problem with knife related crime here and that is the reason for the strict laws about buying bladed articles. Basically we aren't allowed any weapon...even for self defence. No pepper spray,bats,batons or anything that can be used as a weapon can be carried. You can get arrested for carrying a screwdriver unless you have a good reason for having it. Nothing is wrong with England and most nations have some stupid laws...the US being no exception w00t [mike197601]
Let me guess this is the reason why they started making women over there in the UK register there Norks? Because they may hurt someone with them. [mizzcats]
Hi dj, There are so many things wrong with England, and I can't believe they do that to a woman of that age, I would have gone mad with them too and you are right people still does buy booze for the kids outside waiting or take it home and give it to their kids, sometimes I feel like telling the goverment they are out of touch, they don't live in the real world. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
Nope they dont live in the real world at all. [darkjedi1]
It is quite disappointing that even such a simple thing becomes so complicated. I think the shop just doesn't want to take responsibility when their merchandise courses problem. They would rather make us inconvenient than think about what is the right solution. How pity it is, I don't think people won't go to that shop as many as before after they hear the news or experience the hasle. They haven't think through the result. I am sure in England, people slip alchol to under 18 and that's the source of some accident. But at the meantime, I want to ask why they need to apply rules to the rest of us? It would be appropriate for them to enact such rules, but who gives them the right? [gary1125]
I'm stuck somewhere between "this is so freaking asinine" and "well at least they're trying to pay some sort of attention to public safety"... Part of me is happy that the store seemingly cares about the community. Or are they just worried about the possibility of being sued? [dawnald]
cheers mike happy [Aliceinwebland]
DJ- This is nuts. I can't imagine being "carded" for buying a pizza cutter of all things. I mean,what kind of damage are you going to do with a pizza cutter of all things? Heck, I invested in a very good brand pizza cutter (so was recommended) and the darn thing still doesn't cut the way a professional pizza cutter does! It sounds like the owners need to have some common sense classes. And I understand carding for alcohol, and I don't have a problem showing my ID, but who can really tell who is going to "give it" to a minor or not. I don't think that sort of power should be held in the hands of some shopping store clerk. It's my business what I do with my alcohol. And I'm not one to give it to under age drinkers, but I'd be very offended if some shopping clerk refused to sell me it thinking we were the types. On that note, we actually shop at two very nice stores that know us so we've never had any of those issues. Though, for purposes of MN state law we always have our ID's ready. The last item we bought was a lovely bottle called Luna de Luna. It's very good. Namaste-Anora [Anora_Eldorath]
Yeah even very good pizza cutters barely cut pizza, I can only imagine trying to cut skin with it lol. Yep you dont know if that person coming in is going to buy for the kids or not, hell they might ask he might say no and was already planning on buying some for himself anyway. [darkjedi1]
Those kinda things show you how the world is changing. We are becoming more and more obssessed with safety. I do not consider a pizza cutter a blade but to each their own. [machizmo]
I like it too [Aliceinwebland]
Wow, I don't know if I will laugh at it or what. It may sound so stupid to prove her age just for that pizza cutter. I have bought two pizza cutters in the past and I never have any problems or interrogation about my age. Its nice to know that I live in a free and democratic country. [sophie_dfuss]
Always remember people: "Don't ever drink and cut pizza!" "Pizza cutters don't kill people, PEOPLE kill people!" "Just say NO to pizza cutters!" The world is a dangerous and unpredictable enough place as it is without people running around threatening others with those little spinning wheels of death. That woman more than likely had evil world domination plans afoot and thank God the shopkeeper was vigilant. w00t [James72]
What the hell is wrong with England? Umm...they hire clerks for stores that have no common sense? lol [fwidman]
Over 3 years I think w00t [mike197601]
That is utterly ridiculous, a pizza cutter for goodness sake..not a blade in my opinion...lord help them if they was wanting butter knives. We don't have this policy at our stores thankfully. Maybe they think about the booze part if they are a bunch of underage kids hanging around the person who is buying the alcohol and have that impatient gleam in their eyes to get at the booze. [mtdewgurl74]
Oh my think if they had a seven day wait on purchases..lol they do the stupidest and craziest stuff sometimes. [mtdewgurl74]
I am 53 yrs old. & I still get asked for ID for cigarettes, as the law states "if you look under 40 we ID. i take it as a compliment tha they think i look under 40!! It's a good thing....Lori [dumblnddzzy]
Yeah I still get carded for that too, unless its a place that knows me. I dont mind that that much lol. [darkjedi1]
Laws are set for our protection but some of them come off so stupid we have got to laugh and just move on.I agree with you about the underage youths.What do they make now secret buzzers put on shoppers that alert store clerks.Stay clear of this woman because she is buying the pizza cutter to go on a slice and dice as you go murder spree.Another buzzer goes off don't let this guy buy any alcohol he has a car load of youths he is turning to teh dark side.lol.Some of these things are beyond crazy.lol [TheMist]
Maybe it's a good idea to let someone buy alcohol for a car load of kids ???? [mike197601]
LMBO...oh, babe, talk about them taking this weapons crap too far. heee heeee...I'm sorry jedi..but this is freakin hilarious! "Step away, I have a pizza cutter and I KNOW how to use it!" heee heeeeee....oh my...can you see any zombie being afraid of yir pizza cutter? heeee heeeeee...oh thanks for this laugh......heeee.....;snort;.......... [Irishfrndly65]
Yea..no foolin. heeee [Irishfrndly65]
Well, here in England kids sit outside the off licence and ask every adult who walks by to go in and get them cigs or alcohol. Some of these kids are as young as seven and eight, so it's very sensible to refuse an adult alcohol if they're coming in buying two litres of White Lightning Cider five minutes after the cashier has just refused a gang of underage kids the same thing! They're sitting outside asking for people to go in for them and the person serving at the till would know that. [LilyLoretta]
Yeah, it gets really bad here Jedi sad I worry because there are kids in my family and I don't want them to end up going down that road, ever. If I found out someone had been buying alcohol for my little sister, who's 15, I'd do more than just refuse to serve them... glare [LilyLoretta]
Please USA, do not go the same way as England with their ban on guns and now subjecting their citizens to an inquisition just to cut a slice of pizza! This story only proves that restricting personal liberties and freedoms leads to a slippery slope of complete tyranny. [hussyinterrupted]
Very tempting to go back to my old ways w00t Oh well....some people should just know when to shut the fuuk up and get their head out their a$$ angry In the UK we have problems with underage drinking and knife crime so the laws aren't stupid but seem so in this particular case. The UK isn't the only place with stupid lawsw00t [mike197601]
It can be quiet obvious actually if someone is in to buya alcohol for kids. The children tend to hang around nearby and sometimes you see them with the person who goes to by it, so sometimes it is obvious. [Gorjess]
I work in retail and am happy to ID someone who looks my age or younger, it doesn't bother me at all. As said above the fine for selling to an underage person is a personal fine to the CASHIER if you're lucky just your business, but then you'd most likely be fired. [Gorjess]
Sounds to me, darkjedi, like they are taking caution to the extreme!lolDon't they know that criminals come in all age groups? Also, it seems evident to me that anyone who is bent on commiting a crime using a bladed object could find such an object right in the kitchen of the average household. I think that once again somebody goofed up. [worldwise1]
Yep, anything can be a weapon, hell might as well ban pencils. [darkjedi1]
No matter what the item! I would be proud to give ID and flaterd that I look to young to buy it. I was when I got carded to buy booze when I was 28 I sure would be now! [Lakota12]
you know I ask that question everyday! (what the hell is wrong with England?shocked) But its a policy that has been adopted since the rise of knife crime and binge drinking amongst teenagers. I too have been in similar circumstance when I went down to M&S to buy a bottle of wine and they wouldn't sell it to me unless they see my ID. Even at the movies now there is a stop and search and almost all the time we have to be searched for weapons or alcohol. I suppose the authorities believe this is the best way to curb knife crime and binge drinking.blink [jellymonty]
Damn even at the theater? That sucks. So I guess you have to get to the theater even earlier so you dont miss anything then huh? [darkjedi1]
In my state...we have to show our age, when we buy spray paint. Because there has been so many vandalisms with kids spraying buildings, they now regulate the purchasing of these items. Unfortunately, it is the actions of many people that ruin freedom for a lot of us. So, instead of getting upset at the cashier, she is only doing her job, be thankful that she is trying to make society a better place by keeping the crime tools away from the troublemakers. When the crimes stop, when the troublemakers stop committing crime, then maybe things will get better. [Sweetchariot]
I know...it's crazy out there, which is why I don't get upset if they have to card people. However, one look at me, and they should know very well that I am not 18, so that kind of urkes me, when I have to dig into my pocket to show them. But, it's worth the trouble, if we can cut down on all the crazies out there. [Sweetchariot]
Nice policy to ensure people have to bungle with a knife to get them a slice off pizza. blink lolcryI understand about the alcohol but I find the age a bit high. Here in the netherlands you're asked for your ID when you appear 20 years old or younger. Asking for ID when buying bladed objects doesn't sound necessary to me... oh well anything better than being cut like a pizza. O_o [diamania]
Wake up Dutch boy w00t Business opportunity here Mail order things ninja [mike197601]
My first thought was that she maybe rang it in under the wrong category. I've hit the beer button for soda and it prompts you to ask for ID. But no...this is really a law??? That is pretty crazy stuff. I mean what is it preventing. Most people of all ages can put their hands on a knife or a pizza cutter if they really want to use it as a weapon....without going out and buying one. It makes no sense. I work in a store and as long as the person is of age to buy, it is not up to me to guess what they do with it once they leave the store. The law is tho that if they come into the store and they have minors with them, I am supposed to card everyone. It is a tough call. Parents come in with their kids and buy alcohol & that's ok. I asked a cop about this and he told me that the law was not real clear and that it was a judgement call. Like if a 21 yr old came in with a group of 18 yr olds....that is something that I am expected to question but it's not all so easy. sometimes the minor with the young person is a sibling or a friend that is not going to drink with them....Still...if they get pulled over , I get in trouble for selling. [sid556]
We are turning into a nanny state where the number of rules and regulations is becoming utterly ridiculous. But it isn't just nanny state UK, a 30 year friend of mine was buying wine in Helsinki and was asked for proof of her age. She was both shocked and flattered! [Basil2004]
That is INSANE! I was on my own before the age of 18. Would have been an awful mess trying to do everything one does in their own home with no blade of any kind, ridiculous! Have to put the whole roast on my plate and eat it like a dog, I guess. Well, i could pick it up with a fork I suppose. What about can openers? They have a blade, must one be 18 to open a can? Boy oh boy, my legs sure would have gotten hairy. Engarde! Beware the mighty pizza cutter, harbinger of doom! [stickybuns]
Uh, yeah.. a pizza cutter would definitely be my choice of weapon should I decide to go on a rampage. That way I could roll with the punches. Of course they can't sell them to young people! Imagine the headlines: Teenager Goes Pizza On Unsuspecting Pie A pizza pie was left in pieces today after a brutal attack by a west side teenager. Several pieces of pepperoni were cut right in half two mushroom were decapitated. The suspect is in custody and is being investigated as a possible suspect in the case of who cut the cheese. [ClearlyAmbiguous]
That's crazy! A pizza cutter? Like someone out to do harm wouldn't find something else better to get than a pizza cutter..lolI'd have to break out the 50 pound zombie smashing purse on them and show them a pizza cutter has nothing on a few pounds of loose change. I would be furious if someone accused me of giving alcohol to someone that was underage too. That's nuts. [JenInTN]
Wow, beware of the pizza cutter! How on earth would you hurt someone with an object that we struggle to cut pizza with? You are right damn stupid. It is fair enough to ask for ID of someone buying booze that appears under age and it would be interesting to find out what guidelines the cashiers are told to use to determine who they think would be likely to give the alcohol they are purchasing to someone under the legal age limit.confused [paula27661]
hiya DJ It's absurd! I have been asked by many youth hanging around the local shops to buy them alcohol and cigarettes and of course I always refuse. If I were to go into the shop and be challenged about not being served incase I was giving it to youth after purchasing I would want to know what makes them think I would. I can see if it's been a case of customers being seen on CCTV handing over alcohol etc to kids then being identified as such a person on their return to the store then yes... I would see the point. I keep thinking about the pizza cutter.. I have one but it's not that sharp and if I tried to slice someone with it, I think it would just roll down their face...or whatever (not that I would attempt ABH or GBH!) are they really that dangerous as to be classed as an offensive weapon? Alice happy [Aliceinwebland]
I hate to say it but its almost that bad right here in the US. We have to give our birthday to buy tylenol. If to many folks from that certain birthday buy tylenol, then you cant buy it. In fact I wasnt allowed to buy any last year why? because to many folks born in 68 had been buying it. So much for getting rid of my headache. I actually have had a few stores ID me when even buying a pack of smokes. Like I look like I am under 18? Gesh thanks but I am over 40 by a few months! I hate to say it but they do go a bit to far. I saw them Id a 80 year old lady the other day for a 12 pack. Now we know she wasnt under age. They are going so far now that when you buy ammo for your shot gun they want your address, phone number and drivers lisence number?? What the. All this to go hunting Rabbit? [mizzcats]
For Tylenol? Wow, where do you live? I've never heard of something that ridiculous. As far as smokes and ammo, it makes perfect sense to ID you. It's to protect our kids and other people from harm. Where I live, they have to ID any person that looks 35 years old and under for smokes and ammo. [camomom]
I used to work for Walmart and they had "stupid" ID-ing policies too but there are reasons behind every one of them. You have to ID for white out (correction pens), super glue, rubber cement, spray paint and MANY other things. All for the safety of our kids. [camomom]
Ok..watch out for the mad pizza lady!!!!! So what is the excuse for what happened to me?..i needed oil for my car and went to a 7 11 and that same thing popped up and they needed my age to prove i'm 18..first off No way do i look 18...I will be 58 in a few weeks and second..what do they think i'm going to do with the oil? drink it?..lol... [Rosekitty]
happywell, simply because they are cautious that such blade or alcohol can cause violence and death that could also partly blamed the store who allowed the person to purchase the item with.happyI think it's a good strategy for them to limit youngsters from getting their hands on blades or alcohol, no matter how irritating it maybe..so, always bring your ID. [LetranKnight25]
I think its good that they stick to their policy. A silly policy when it comes to a pizza cutter but still good that they arent picking and choosing. Here you have to show ID at the dollar store to buy a lighter. [saundyl]
Hi darkjedi.That is really weird.Here in India we have some special previliges. Though it is not a good thing to boast of but no matter how many rules and regulations you imply if people have got used to it then the situation would continue and go on that way no matter how hard the government tries.. [Shames]