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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Backedoffhackedoff · 08/09/2026 14:38

I think it’s daft too, and can’t stand that when ever you point that out to people they go on a rant about having to provide ID under 25 as if that’s the law. The law is just the need to be over 18. “Challenge 25” is marketing to protect shop workers from older people getting pissed off at being ID’d -“oh I have to you look under 25” no you don’t.

a lot of shop workers just aren’t very good at telling ages.

BobMumBobIsMyDog · 08/09/2026 14:35

I was buying a can of spray paint in B&Q accompanied by my nineteen year old DD. They IDd her to check she was over eighteen, even though I was the one buying it.

Jc2001 · 08/09/2026 14:32

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)?

But they haven't refused to sell you alcohol.

Oakleavesandcookies · 08/09/2026 14:32

Stealth boast op. 🤣🤣

LadySparrow · 08/09/2026 14:32

I’m 42 and got ID’d this weekend. I am wearing a wedding ring and have several visible tattoos. And lots of wrinkles and eye bags.

MyManinCaracas · 08/09/2026 14:31

This has been happening for decades and it won’t change.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 08/09/2026 14:30

Retail staff face massive fines if they cock up. I can see why they’re cautious.