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Original poster

I got refused service today

145 replies

snowdropsandcrocuses · 15/01/2022 20:16

I am in my early 40's. I have 2 kids and my body shows it. My face is red with broken capillaries and my hair is in desperate need of dying so my greying roots are very much visible. I am definitely no oil painting!

Today I went to buy cigarettes and I was asked for ID. I honestly swear I haven't been asked for ID since I was about 19!

I had my work ID on me which I could have used but I was so absolutely stunned that I looked slack jawed at the cashier and simply said 'no I don't have ID...because I'm 40!'

She told me I don't look over 25 with my mask on and I laughed at her and left the store without being served.

So I've decided the fact I have cleansed, toned, moisturised, used retinol and vit c serum for at least three days in a row is absolutely working

Clearly I have found the elixir of youth in a bottle. Happy to offer up my secrets to you all... Grin

OP posts:
Mydogmylife · 15/01/2022 23:25

@HirplesWithHaggis

My 30yo son had ordered something online which required ID when delivered, but wasn't in when it arrived. So the driver asked for me to prove I'm over 18. I duly showed my driving licence, commenting that I was 18, plus 40 years... Driver didn't ask next time. Grin
Me too, it was gin for Christmas ( yummy raspberry flavour) delivery driver made me show him id, I'm over 60 ffs!!
xxxGirlCrushxxx · 15/01/2022 23:25

@HelloFrostyMorning

WTF is wrong with all these people serving in shops who are apparently mistaking people in their 50s and 60s, (and even their 70s according to one poster,) for people UNDER 25? Confused A bloody face mask doesn't make a 55-70 year old look under 25. You can still tell the age (roughly.)

This thread is batshit.

to a 16 year old on the till perhaps in their first job, then they will err on the side of caution and ask for ID when the till prompts them to!!

they have no idea of age...mid 20's look ancient to a 16 year old

they are told at induction the absolute importance of not failing an ID check...its drummed in to them

both the employee and business can get fined thousands for serving someone under age....and the employee could end up with a criminal record. not worth it. so they all ask.

Original poster
snowdropsandcrocuses · 15/01/2022 23:28

Ah I posted this then sat to watch a movie with the kids and didn't come back to the thread. So many hilarious responses (plus a few grumpy ones!)

To clear a few things up....this was not a stealth post. I am not joking or playing it down when I say I have grey hair and ruddy complexion. I honestly haven't been asked for ID in over 20 years because I look my age. And that's absolutely ok. It is the reason I confidently went into the store without anything but my phone for Apple Pay. I was on lunch break and just grabbing a sandwich then went to pick up some tobacco. I posted this because it made me smile.

The cashier was not young and naive. She looked around 50... though clearly age is not as predictable as we think!

Love reading all your funny tales. Sometimes it's the little things that bring a smile.

So, the vit c/retinol was tongue in cheek (clue was in the three consistent days comment).

Finally I am not ashamed to look my age. I am happy that I reflect my life and experiences. I am dabbling in a new skincare routine in an effort to stop my skin sloughing off my face before I'm 50. Not vanity but perhaps a belated attempt at self preservation!

OP posts:

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Beauty
HunterGatherer · 15/01/2022 23:37

My DD was always being told to get back to class, when she worked in a school for a year (aged 24).

Stormyinacoffeemug · 15/01/2022 23:45

I never get asked for ID in my local shop except occasionally from one staff member. I have been experimenting and if I approach her till with my purse in my hand, she doesn't ask but if I have no purse or bag, she says where is your ID.
I shop there daily and she has seen my ID numerous times but always asks. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I pop out real quick with just a cash card but it's never anyone else, just her.

minimadgirl · 15/01/2022 23:51

My mum gets id'd all the time and she's mid 60s. Admitably she's under 5 foot tall and I think they just glance at her and see someone thats the size of a 13 year old.
Although the day they asked me if she was my daughter was the day I died a little inside, I was 34.at the time.

MrsMorningStarOfBethleh · 16/01/2022 00:07

I was last asked for ID almost 9 years ago - in my 30's - a mature student on uni campus with red puffy eyes and a snotty nose from ugly crying (my work wasn't going well that day!!). Never been asked since - I relive that moment many times now I'm in my early 40's looking like I'm heading for 80 (thanks kids 🤦🏼‍♀️) 😂

xxxGirlCrushxxx · 16/01/2022 00:10

@Stormyinacoffeemug

I never get asked for ID in my local shop except occasionally from one staff member. I have been experimenting and if I approach her till with my purse in my hand, she doesn't ask but if I have no purse or bag, she says where is your ID. I shop there daily and she has seen my ID numerous times but always asks. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I pop out real quick with just a cash card but it's never anyone else, just her.
What are you buying so regularly that it's a challenge 25 item?
PigletJohn · 16/01/2022 00:12

wait until they ask for id because they think you might qualify for the pensioner special.

OhWhyNot · 16/01/2022 00:14

Don’t let anyone tell you its the mask

It’s your youthful glow from your new skincare regime. I would get in touch with the brand and offer your advertising services

GreetingsAndSalutations · 16/01/2022 00:16

The penalties for selling age restricted products to someone under age are tough- massive fine for the employee who physically processed the sale, fine for the business, as well as losing their alcohol license and of course losing your minimum wage job. You bet your arse I’m not taking any chances! We have to ID for alcohol, fags, lighters, rizla, pain relief and energy drinks. And age can be harder to work out than you think even without masks. Served a group of young women not long ago. Asked for ID even though I thought they all looked around 24/25. They all had only recently turned 18 according to their IDs. I was Shock but bloody relieved I’d checked. Oldest looking teenagers I’ve ever seen I think, and that’s not meant in a nasty way.

ElftonWednesday · 16/01/2022 00:18

I never got IDed once until I was 21. I guess I put more effort into looking over 18 when I was 16.

Sadcup · 16/01/2022 00:18

@yebbie literal LOL

TeddySteady · 16/01/2022 00:21

Sadly I’ve had the opposite happening… On my 50th birthday last year, I went to get my first covid jab. The nurse said, ‘Can I just check you’re under 65’? (They were only vaccinating that age group at the time).

A real ‘happy birthday’ moment! I like to think I look mid 40s so it was a little disheartening really…😳

KloppsTeeth · 16/01/2022 01:27

I am envious of you all! I haven’t been asked for ID since I was about 20 sad] Grin

BarbaraofSeville · 16/01/2022 02:31

@GreetingsAndSalutations

The penalties for selling age restricted products to someone under age are tough- massive fine for the employee who physically processed the sale, fine for the business, as well as losing their alcohol license and of course losing your minimum wage job. You bet your arse I’m not taking any chances! We have to ID for alcohol, fags, lighters, rizla, pain relief and energy drinks. And age can be harder to work out than you think even without masks. Served a group of young women not long ago. Asked for ID even though I thought they all looked around 24/25. They all had only recently turned 18 according to their IDs. I was Shock but bloody relieved I’d checked. Oldest looking teenagers I’ve ever seen I think, and that’s not meant in a nasty way.
We know that but no-one is ever going to be fined for selling restricted items to people aged over 30 who might look, to someone with poor judgement, under 25, which is what people are describing.

I was regularly IDd until my late 30s and more than once refused service because the cashier was happy that I was over 18, but not over 25.

It also happened to my sister, who wasn't just over 18 herself, but was also the parent of a child over 18. There was a time when, if she couldn't get served because she'd forgotten her ID, she would send her 18-20 YO DC to another till to buy the restricted items for her.

Thatldo · 16/01/2022 06:04

She was indeed kind to you.she probably thought, smoking cigarettes dont do your face any favours and used the ID as an excuse not to give you any fags.Think about it....

Justleaveitblankthen · 16/01/2022 06:40

I think sometimes, the younger the assistant is, the younger they think we are.
The average 20 year old thinks I am about mid 30's, but another person my own age doesn't bat an eyelid when I tell them I am mid 50's.

FindingMeno · 16/01/2022 06:45

How wonderful!
So much better than being asked if your children are your grandkids.
I almost wept Shock

Ohmych · 16/01/2022 07:44

I was almost id'd at 35, I walked up to the cigarette kiosk as a load of young girls walked off. I asked for cigarettes and without looking up she said have you got, then looked up and saw me and said nevermind. I was gutted. I last got asked for I'd when I was 33. I've been asked to take my mask down then she let me have them.

OpalFruits84 · 16/01/2022 08:03

Years ago, when I had a checkout job, we would occasionally get a target off how many people we had to ID that day. This would lead to IDing people we obviously otherwise wouldn’t, just to tick a few more off.

Sorry if this revelation shatters any illusions of youthful looks!

canyon2000 · 16/01/2022 08:24

My daughter works at a supermarket and she says they often id older people as a bit of a laugh as they either get ridiculously annoyed as they have no id or ridiculously pleased as they think they must look under 25! Helps pass the day I suppose!

OnGoldenPond · 16/01/2022 08:57

I've never been ID'd even when I WAS under 18 (many moons ago). I must look dog rough Sad

OhamIreally · 16/01/2022 09:17

I do think the masks make it more difficult. I definitely look my age with my saggy jowls but don't have many lines around my eyes.
I was asked for ID in Sainsburys, I didn't have any on me so pulled my mask off and said here is my ID.
It was considered acceptable proof of age Smile

CharityDingle · 16/01/2022 12:11

It's when they click the approve key, without having to think twice Grin now that's disheartening.

Not really though, I'm joking.

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