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Original poster

Think 25 policy

10 replies

Helloo123 · 09/03/2022 19:57

Hi, this is my first post here peeps so please be kind. I'm after some advice regarding the think 25 policy. My husband is a delivery driver for a well known British supermarket. He has an impeccable work record, never been disciplined for anything. Recently he failed a test purchase, the recipient was 19. He has no recollection of the delivery and doesn't feel he has made a delivery to anyone who looked under 25, hence why he hadn't asked them for ID. After going for a disciplinary meeting he has now been told as a consequence he has been given a final written warning!!!!!! Wtf? Is this normal? Having never had any warnings to make one mistake to get this? The person wasn't even underage. I would really appreciate any advice, they have told him he can appeal.

OP posts:
LuckyKitty13 · 09/03/2022 20:03

Very normal. It’s completely standard practice. Same thing happened to a family member of mine, and extensive googling shows it’s standard everywhere. My family member had a slightly lesser discipline because he showed remorse and volunteered how she would stop it happening again. But still a written warning.

If it had been an external test your husband would have got a 5K fine and a criminal record plus the store would have got a 25K fine and could lose their liquor liscence. This is the reason internal tests are taken so seriously. You can appeal but it won’t change it - it’s company policy across the board.

Original poster
Helloo123 · 09/03/2022 20:08

I could understand if they were under 18, but this person was 19. How many 15 year olds look 20 these days? So by the same standards most 19 year old look mid/late 20s.

OP posts:
chesirecat99 · 09/03/2022 21:10

The mystery shoppers have to be over 18, otherwise it would be illegal for the test companies to ask them to buy age restricted goods. My DC did it when they were students. The testers have to be 18-20, well below the Think 25 age limit, and they have rules to try and make it fair eg they have to be clean shaven, wear casual clothes, nothing that could make them look older or definitively over 18 eg business clothes or heavy makeup or a university sweatshirt.

I'm sorry your DH made a mistake but as LuckyKitty13 says, it is lucky that it wasn't an official test as he could have lost his job, got a huge fine and a criminal record.

peboh · 09/03/2022 21:16

Yes completely normal!
Unfortunately companies can be fined a lot of money, and lost their licenses over not using challenge 25. That's why the test shoppers are so important, and why staff are penalised harshly if they fail.

As you've stated so many teens look older now, and that's why it's even more important to ID no matter how old they look. Amazon delivery drivers will not leave any age restricted items without a form of ID and I think more companies need to start doing this.

CalamitySpain · 09/03/2022 21:27

@Helloo123

I could understand if they were under 18, but this person was 19. How many 15 year olds look 20 these days? So by the same standards most 19 year old look mid/late 20s.

I don't think this should be the focus of his appeal. They have to use people between 18 and 24. The entire point of Think25 is that they have to look over 25. You can't be suggesting that as a country we need a Think30 policy in case some 19 year olds look 25.

If he doesn't feel confident that he can identify and ask for ID from people who are 25 and under then he's in the wrong job.

LuckyKitty13 · 09/03/2022 21:28

It’s not about them being under 18, it’s about them looking under 25. That’s the policy - to ID anyone under the age of 25 - that is what is being tested.

Yes it’s to stop under age drinking - but the whole “they weren’t under 18” is a red herring.

MyDcAreMarvel · 09/03/2022 21:30

The whole policy makes no sense ID should only be asked for if you think someone is under age ie under 18.

HermioneWeasley · 09/03/2022 21:44

Also saying it’s completely normal. What he did could have very serious consequences for him and the company. He needs to be more switched on. Presumably he will now be very focused on checking ID for age restricted items

Original poster
Helloo123 · 09/03/2022 21:54

Oh, he's going to be asking every adult for ID from now on. He's well switched on to what is legal/illegal because he's a retired police officer. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

OP posts:
Liveandkicking · 09/03/2022 21:59

Sounds like he was really unlucky. He probably subconsciously clocked something that meant he knew they were an adult and doesn’t even remember it now.
I’m sure the other posters are right about the industry norms but as a supermarket delivery customer, I’m sorry. Sounds really annoying.

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