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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think challenge 25 has gone too far?

207 replies

wanderingwillows · 08/09/2026 14:29

I am 34 and semi-regularly get ID’d. It happens often enough such that if I’m buying wine etc I always bring my ID with me.
I appreciate that perhaps I might look in my 20s at a stretch, I refuse to believe that anyone could think I am 17 and therefore not legal to buy booze. But the response will always be “but it’s challenge 25”

AIBU to think it’s completely ridiculous to refuse someone sale of alcohol even when it’s blatantly obvious they’re not 17 (or younger)?

OP posts:
RedLeader24 · 08/09/2026 20:06

Backedoffhackedoff · 08/09/2026 14:57

This is exactly my point! She thought you were 19 or 20… so over 18! Makes no sense. As long as you’re legal whether you’re 19 or 20 is neither here nor there. And the person knew you were legal! So bizarre.

Show quote history

But she didnt know did she.

She 'thought' she was 19 or 20.

Thought doesnt save their jobs if they get it wrong, hence why they ask.

Solaire18381 · 08/09/2026 19:55

I've been asked more than once in my 40's. It's very rare that I buy alcohol, well wine, but both occasions happened in the supermarket.

Katypp · 08/09/2026 19:45

Tesco refused to sell my 22-year-old daughter a bottle of energy drink. She did not have her ID. Fair enough.
They then refused to sell it to me (59) and i got a lecture on being complicit with my daughter (by a 20-year-old)
I thought she was joking but she would not budge.

everyonelovesaparsnip · 08/09/2026 19:41

I'm 41 and have been ID'd, on separate occasions, for alcohol, dinner knives and alcohol free beer in the last 6 months. I take it as a compliment now 😁

Backedoffhackedoff · 08/09/2026 19:41

Sobriety78 · 08/09/2026 19:38

Staff have to follow the challenge 25 policy even if the purchaser looks over 18 - parent companies very often send mystery shoppers in to see if the policies are being followed, if the staff fail they can face disciplinary proceedings. Its simply not worth their job to not do it.

But what is the substance behind that? A mystery shopper who looks over 18 buys alcohol? What’s the problem? Isn’t that exactly what they want to happen in order to keep sales and customer services optimum?

what is the point, they’re saying someone over 18 should’ve been asked for ID? On what basis? Surely whether they look over 25 is a judgement call

Sobriety78 · 08/09/2026 19:38

Staff have to follow the challenge 25 policy even if the purchaser looks over 18 - parent companies very often send mystery shoppers in to see if the policies are being followed, if the staff fail they can face disciplinary proceedings. Its simply not worth their job to not do it.

WecanbeheroeslikeBowie · 08/09/2026 19:28

lavendersweetly · 08/09/2026 14:41

Tattoos are not a reliable indicator of age unfortunately!
— Signed, someone who got a tattoo when they were underage 🫶

Show quote history

I was first married at 18 1/2 and had a baby and running my own home. A wedding ring doesn't prove anything nor does a tattoo or ten.

Hiredgun · 08/09/2026 19:28

wanderingwillows · 08/09/2026 14:29

I am 34 and semi-regularly get ID’d. It happens often enough such that if I’m buying wine etc I always bring my ID with me.
I appreciate that perhaps I might look in my 20s at a stretch, I refuse to believe that anyone could think I am 17 and therefore not legal to buy booze. But the response will always be “but it’s challenge 25”

AIBU to think it’s completely ridiculous to refuse someone sale of alcohol even when it’s blatantly obvious they’re not 17 (or younger)?

I’ve only recently stopped being ID’d in the UK and I am late 30s.

But in the US, I get ID’d all the time, they’re very strict there.

Backedoffhackedoff · 08/09/2026 19:03

LlynTegid · 08/09/2026 19:02

The people you should be complaining about are those who lied in the past, such that it had to be introduced. Not the retailers.

Lied in the past 🤣🤣 what are you on?!

LlynTegid · 08/09/2026 19:02

The people you should be complaining about are those who lied in the past, such that it had to be introduced. Not the retailers.

SinuousTendrils · 08/09/2026 18:59

I miss being id'd!

Topseyt123 · 08/09/2026 18:56

I'm trying to remember the last time I was asked for ID in a shop/supermarket. I can't, and I am 60.

I think I would be flattered to be asked for ID. Don't think it is likely to happen now though. ☹️

Dr13Hadley · 08/09/2026 18:55

I got ID’d last week. I’ll be 45 in 6 weeks. The guy said are you over 25 I just laughed and said yeah just a bit! 😂

Isthismykarma · 08/09/2026 18:52

I think it’s gone too far. If I’m asked for it and don’t have it obviously I’m polite and say it’s fine as I know the shop workers are only doing their job and can get huge fines etc. but I do think we’ve took it too far when adults in their 30s and 40s are being turned away to protect a 17 year old from a bottle of vodka.

FakeSnow · 08/09/2026 18:44

Im 38 have 4 kids and still get asked, dont know how they can think im under 18 (or 25)

notacooldad · 08/09/2026 18:43

Ds has always had a copy of his licence and passport that's on his phone accepted.

itispersonal · 08/09/2026 18:43

I got Id the other week at 42. With my dark circles, deep eye winkles, though I am quite short so think this adds to the youngest.

Also probably the cider, Haribos and rubbish crisp in my basket too 🤣

Ronathediva13 · 08/09/2026 18:41

I’m well over 40, admittedly I do look young but probably not THAT young, and was ID’d in Sainsbury’s. When I showed the young lass on the till my driving licence her response was “Oh my God I’m so sorry, you’re actually really old aren’t you?”

You’ll miss it when they stop asking!

Mh67 · 08/09/2026 18:39

We were in over 18s slot machine area my friend was asked for ld she is a granny 🤣🤣

EmmaB1309 · 08/09/2026 18:38

Yeah I think it’s out of control. In my experience it’s often younger staff without an ounce of common sense or observation skills.

Backedoffhackedoff · 08/09/2026 17:05

Mightymuscle · 08/09/2026 17:02

Some stores have a policy of no alcohol sokd to under 25 year olds. They can impose their own rules hence being asked for ID. I was behind someone I knew to be over 18 and when she was going through checkout was asked for ID. Didn't have any on her abd I spoke up to say I knew she was definitely over 18. Didn't make any difference had to prove she was 25 at least. I too wasn't aware of policy.

There are stores in the uk that have a policy they won’t sell alcohol to under 25s?!

Mightymuscle · 08/09/2026 17:02

Some stores have a policy of no alcohol sokd to under 25 year olds. They can impose their own rules hence being asked for ID. I was behind someone I knew to be over 18 and when she was going through checkout was asked for ID. Didn't have any on her abd I spoke up to say I knew she was definitely over 18. Didn't make any difference had to prove she was 25 at least. I too wasn't aware of policy.

BirdLandedonmyHead · 08/09/2026 16:02

Its not a problem in countries whete ID cards are just normal rather than a conspiracy theory.

I was very amused to get IDed while buying a glue stick. I thought the birtbday candle had been bad enough...

JaelFuryck · 08/09/2026 16:02

Daisymay2 · 08/09/2026 15:59

DS was ID when he was buying beer. Produced his provisional driving licence which had expired, so he was at least 27. He was refused even though they agreed he was well over 18. I get they say current ID but it seem weird to me that something you can’t have until you are 17 and has expired doesn’t count.

Because it has expired.

It is no longer a valid form of ID

JaelFuryck · 08/09/2026 16:01

Don't go to Tennessee - everyone gets ID for alcohol!

And refused if you dont have it - even if you are CLEARLY in your 50s!!