A mother-of-one nearing claims she was left ‘totally embarrassed’ when she was refused the sale of tobacco because she didn’t have ID.
Sarah Clear visited the Chichester branch of Sainsbury’s earlier this month on her way to work and couldn’t believe it when she was asked to show her identification, which she presumed she wouldn’t need.
The sales assistant claims she is a regular at this store and even said a former class mate who was also queuing tried to explain to the cashier that they were the same age of 39.
Sarah Clear said she was left ‘totally embarrassed’ when she was asked for ID when buying tobacco at her local Sainsbury’s when the cashier was unconvinced that she was 18
However, the member of staff remained unconvinced and allegedly denied Sarah the sale – leaving her to joke that she will have to get her 21-year-old son Aaron Clear to buy her tobacco from now on.
Sarah, from Chichester, in West Sussex, said: ‘I was totally embarrassed. I could feel myself burning up. There were other people around looking at me and wondering what was going on.
‘I didn’t think I would need ID. I didn’t expect to be questioned by the Spanish Inquisition on my way to work.
Sarah was refused the sale despite having regularly purchased tobacco from the supermarket in Chichester previously
In reality Sarah is almost forty years old, and at 39 is 21 years older than the age required to purchase cigarettes in the UK
‘I asked for tobacco and a scratch card and she said she had to see my ID and I said, “are you having a laugh? I’m 39 years old. I’ve got a 21-year-old son”.
‘It’s quite extreme. I’m older than most boys and girls that work on the counter.
‘I think I was more shocked than anything else. I’m a regular face in there. I live near Sainsbury’s and this same woman has served me before.
‘If I go and have a cup of tea and this woman walks past she would say hello because she recognises me. I haven’t got a clue why she’s decided I’m now not old enough. It is very strange.
‘My old school friend was in the queue and he shouted to her that we are the same age but she kept saying she needed to see my ID.’
The mother says she is in this Sainsbury’s branch all the time buying tobacco as she doesn’t work or live far away and has never come across this issue before.
Sarah, who has a 21-year-old son, joked that she would be getting him to buy her tobacco from now on. Pictured: Sarah’s ID
Sarah says that she is often approached by people asking her for tips on keeping their skin looking so young
Sarah said: ‘I said, “this is a joke” and walked off. I know I don’t look my age but I look at least 25. I had to go to work after so I didn’t have time to speak to a manager or complain.
‘I could take it as a compliment but I work in retail and I had to go into work and deal with customers without having time to smoke a fag.
‘I don’t think I’ll be going back. I’ll probably just stick with the local garage.’
Sarah claims she is often inundated with messages from people asking what her skin care regime is as she is often told she looks much younger than 39.
Sarah said: ‘People usually don’t believe how old I am but they think I’m at least in my 20s. I’ll have to start getting my son to get them for me and he’s 21.
‘Everyone thinks he’s my brother. I come across it quite a lot where people think I’m younger. People don’t believe he’s my son.
‘I think he’s quite proud of his mum. I’m certainly proud of him. I think he’s just used to it. He used to get embarrassed when his mates would think I’m his sister but he can’t do anything about it.’
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: ‘We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. However, like all retailers, we have clear responsibilities not to sell age-restricted items to minors.
‘Our colleagues are trained to follow Think 25, which means they will ask for ID from anyone who appears to be under the age of 25.’