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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this age discrimination?

31 replies

Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 14:58

In a nutshell:
Tesco have a ‘standard’ (usually inflated) price for some items, but also a ‘Clubcard price’ if you scan your Clubcard at the till.

Under 18s cannot have a Clubcard.

Therefore under 18s are being disadvantaged because of their age.

I’ve had a quick look at the discrimination act, and it looks to me like this is nailed on discrimination. Not sure how they can justify this!

YABU - Tesco are entitled to charge under 18s more for the same product

YANBU - This is unfair and discriminatory

OP posts:
Original poster
Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 15:01

To expand - I know adults don’t all have Clubcards, but they’re able to if they want to!

OP posts:
PastMyBestBeforeDate · 26/03/2022 15:02

Can they present a Clubcard even if they aren't the holder and get the discount?

Beeinalily · 26/03/2022 15:02

It really hadn't occurred to me before, but you're right.

Original poster
Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 15:04

I guess they could show someone else’s card if they’re with someone who is over 18.
Shopping by themselves though?

OP posts:
PAFMO · 26/03/2022 15:05

How many under 18s are in Tesco buying the kind of products you get the discount on?
Perhaps you could also start a campaign to allow adults to pay the same price as children for buses and things?

JackieCollinshasnoauthority · 26/03/2022 15:05

Under 18s aren't protected by the equality act in respect of age. So it's lawful to exclude under 18s from certain things.

Lavenderlid · 26/03/2022 15:05

My under 18 takes my spare Clubcard (got originally for dh) out with him. You could try that?

Original poster
Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 15:06

How many under 18s are in Tesco buying the kind of products you get the discount on?

Loads of the offers are on sweets

OP posts:
CounsellorTroi · 26/03/2022 15:07

@PAFMO

How many under 18s are in Tesco buying the kind of products you get the discount on? Perhaps you could also start a campaign to allow adults to pay the same price as children for buses and things?
Quite often it’s alcohol which under 18s wouldn’t be able to buy anyway.
PastMyBestBeforeDate · 26/03/2022 15:07

DH has a card on my account and we have some key fobs. DH has one on his car keys. I could give one to dd and I don't imagine anyone would query that, especially not at a self service checkout.

BloodyloveGeorge · 26/03/2022 15:08

No it’s not, but if it bothers you so much give your child a fob or your Tesco club add to use.
Personally I’d prefer DC not to get discounted sweets.

LabMix · 26/03/2022 15:09

@Bessica1970

How many under 18s are in Tesco buying the kind of products you get the discount on?

Loads of the offers are on sweets

Hmm I’m sure they’ll manage without sweets and if they simply can’t, they can go to Poundland or Lidl
HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 26/03/2022 15:09

I think this is covered in this doc from government assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85004/age-discrimination-ban.pdf

Under 18s are not covered by the ban on age discrimination.

Original poster
Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 15:12

I’m sure they’ll manage without sweets and if they simply can’t, they can go to Poundland or Lidl

It came up because the Mothers’ day chocolates the boys were going to buy were significantly cheaper with a Clubcard - they shouldn’t need to go elsewhere!

OP posts:
ImBurtMacklin · 26/03/2022 15:14

The ban does not apply in respect of children aged under 18.This means that people and organisations can continue to provide different services at different rates or on different terms and conditions for children of different ages, or can refuse to serve children – for example, 'no children' hotels can continue as now and newsagents can still restrict the number of children entering their shops.

Original poster
Bessica1970 · 26/03/2022 15:17

HalfShrunkMoreToGo - that’s really useful thank you.

I’m obviously being unreasonable, given children are not protected as shown in that document - it just seems very unfair!

I’ll suggest to my eldest that he campaign to have them look at it (he’s on the local student council for our city).

OP posts:
jcyclops · 26/03/2022 19:43

If discrimination was not allowed on the grounds of age, then kids would have to be charged the same price as an adult on transport and for entry fees to cinemas, attractions etc.

This would be just like the ban on discrimination by sex resulted in equalisation of car insurance premiums and state pension age.

MMathers · 16/10/2022 15:22

My 15 year old was stopped from using our spare clubcard to buy a meal deal - she was redirected from self service to a till and the lady wouldn’t let her use it. Using a clubcard saves 50p and not sure how much harm buying a sandwich and drink with a discount can cause. 🙄

Gmom · 09/11/2023 11:40

My son and his sports team of 16-17 year olds go for Tesco meal deals between first and second practice on Saturdays. A meal deal costs 50p more without a Clubcard. So it’s not fair and contrary to some perceptions posted above not all teens are solely into sweets.

waitholdup · 09/11/2023 11:42

My DS signed up for his own club card at about 16? lied about his name and DOB

dementedpixie · 09/11/2023 11:43

I gave ds (17) my wee extra key fob that came with my club card so he can get the deals. If they have a phone they could have the app logged in with the parents details too

MadameCamembert · 09/11/2023 11:46

From a business POV - club cards are there for Tesco to gather your data. Presumably, there’s significantly less interest in minors data?
Also, as above. Children aren’t protected from age discrimination. For the same reasons they can’t buy cigarettes.
I don’t see an issue!

secondfavouritesocks · 09/11/2023 11:50

Of course it is not age discrimination, the club cards are to monitor adult shopping habits, Tescos does not monitor children's shopping habits, and there would be uproar if they tried to

Fionaville · 09/11/2023 11:51

Wow I've never realised that before. That is age discrimination, to literally be charging you more for groceries because of your age. If it was me, I'd lie about my DOB on the application. You shouldn't have to though.

secondfavouritesocks · 09/11/2023 11:51

Adults can give consent to have their data monitored and stored, children can't