Carded at Target

[JennaTX]

From that article:Clearly, that wasn't an example of a 'nanny state'. It was a data entry error.

Oops.
Apparently, you would need it to buy some medications, smoking paraphernalia, canned air, spray paint, and likely some other items.

Now you know.
I wonder how much tome the person standing in line behind you had. (I smell a rant thread.)
It is likely an overly conservative read of Section 161.081 of Texas Code that is resulting in retailers requiring ID for the purchase of lighters. Some states include lighters in this requirement, others don't, but if you are not familiar with both this law and Texas Tax Code, you might choose to err on the side of not getting a fat fine.

Where in that code does it say anything about me getting a fat fine for buying a lighter without ID?

As far as the person behind me, it probably would have taken the same amount of time for me to walk out to the car and get my ID.

just a note that there are few regular Targets left it seems. Most are now SuperTargets or Target Greatland and they DO sell beer wine. Though no grocery store can sell liquor, you must go to an actual liqour store for that.

Also, it still must have been that specific Target's policy on lighters, because I have bought those long candle lighters at several Targets in the state and never once been asked for an ID.

There are no SuperTargets around me yet, I am surprised about that because they are all over Dallas, where my family lives.

Not sure about the candle lighters, since the above post I commented on, it is supposedly against the law in Texas without an ID?

 

[kaytieeldr]

My issue with this is 2 fold. First, it assumes that people are buying the product is using it for something illegal. Second, like a previous poster said, it is not the store's responsibility to keep people from buying products and using them for unintended purposes. I don't want to be inconvenienced because someone wants to use glue or paint to get high.

Then, respectfully, take up the issue with your state/city/town, government - whoever makes the laws that require the stores to need ID before selling certain products. The stores DON'T decide to do this on their own - it takes extra time, and obviously it irritates a number of customers.

 

[eliza61]

I went into Target to pick up Nicorette gum for hubby, they would not sell it to me because I did not have my drivers license on me. I said well i can tell you my birthdate, not good enough , they wanted my license to enter the info in.
are you kidding me???? i am a 40 something buying nicorette for petes sake, its not like there was any question as to whether i was old enough. and no darn way are you entering my information into your system for me to purchase nicorette gum!!!!!!!

i have bought nicorette at walmart, cvs, rite aid, never had a problem, at walmart they just hit yes when the question comes up " is customer over 18 yo"
so I left the things I intended to purchase and walked out. it annoyed me so much.

so later i stopped off at walmart to pick up the nicorette, and bought it hassle free.
i think Target has lost their mind. what is next fingerprints for purchases.

So basically you're mad because Target followed federal guidelines and you were inconvenienced?

Oh jeezz, look another person who feels they are entitled.

Just in case you did not know. Tobacco, tobacco products and alcohol are regulated items. Sellers are supposed to make sure they are not purchased by any one under 18 or 21 (depending on the item). If the person is in doubt they are legally required to ask for identification or verification of age.

Target is well within their rights to ask for ID.

 

[kaytieeldr]

my previous posts said, I did have my license, in my car, where I needed it. I don't shop with credit cards or debit cards,cash only.

Very respectfully, then - on the admittedly off-chance you became suddenly ill or injured in the store or the parking lot, how would you expect to be identified? Would you want someone taking your keys and trying all the cars in the parking lot until they found yours? Would you want the police to just wait until the store closed and yours was the only car in the lot, and trace your plate? Would you want your picture on the news that night, asking the public for help identifying you?

No, nobody HAS to carry identification - but it just makes a whole lot of sense to do it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

if they aren't tracking why can't they just look at the license and verify the birthdate without entering all the information into the system.

I'm sure this has been answered (responding immediately after reading the post) but... because, to ensure that the cashiers comply with the regulations/rules, the cash registers are programmed to not allow the transaction to continue without the birth date.

As has been stated several times in this thread, ID is needed because, interestingly enough, people do lie about their ages. If you don't want your ID scanned, do as robinb plans - show your license in your wallet.

 

[tchrrx]

My DH is a pharmacist and he is amazed at the number of people that come in daily and don't have an i.d. to show. If you drove to the store, shouldn't you have a driver's license with you?

ETA: I realize that you did have your license in the car. However, I think in many cases, people simply don't have them/carry them at all.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I went to Walmart today to have some keys made. While getting them made, I noticed a sign that stated if the cashier thought you looked "under 40" they would ask for your ID. If you could not provide one, you would not be sold alcohol.

So there "is" a policy at our local walmart.

ps, "I" have not been carded there

And THAT is why there shouldn't be a judgment call - if ID is required from some customers, it should be required from all customer purchasing the same item.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Age guessing is subjective--a 30 year old may look 15, a 15 year old might look 30 (well maybe not that old).

Funny thing about that... many years ago, my entire family went out to eat. I'm the oldest child and was about 23 at the time. Two parents, six 'kids', only one of whom was actually below the drinking age of 18 (at the time).
Server comes around taking drink orders. My dad ordered his usual - Southern Comfort Manhattan on the rocks with a cherry (don't ask). My brother orders the same thing, server gets to the twins and asks for ID before taking their drink orders.
She comes back a few minutes later to confirm something about the first brother's order - at which time my father pointed out he was only fourteen.

But he LOOKED older than his nineteen-year-old siblings.


*O

 

[kaytieeldr]

OP -- that would annoy me too. CVS scanned my ID to purchase some cold medicine, not sure what kind it was. Guess they think we're all meth addicts.

I will say I am 24 and rarely get carded when purchasing alcohol at restaurants, but always get carded at stores.

Nyquil, or the store brand? It's got enough alcohol in it that, yes, the stores require (or should) proof of age before they can sell it to you.

 

[kaytieeldr]

but if you are not familiar with both this law and Texas Tax Code, you might choose to err on the side of not getting a fat fine.

Where in that code does it say anything about me getting a fat fine for buying a lighter without ID?

As far as the person behind me, it probably would have taken the same amount of time for me to walk out to the car and get my ID.

The "you" in sbell111's response means the store.
And if you'd had to leave the store to get your ID, the cashier could have rung out your order and gone on to the next customer, returning to your transaction as soon as you got back and she was through with her current customer. You would not have delayed anyone except yourself, then.

 

[eliza61]

I can't understand why people get mad because some one does not allow them to BREAK RULES.

Op. here are the federal guidelines on sales of tobacco products.

Section 9. Minimum Age Sales - Under this Act, It shall be unlawful:
a. For any retailer or tobacco products to sell or distribute tobacco products to any minor;
b. For any person to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from a minor;
c. For a minor to sell or buy cigarettes or any tobacco products; and
d. For a minor to smoke cigarettes or any other tobacco products.

It shall not be a defense for the person selling or distributing that he/she did not know or was aware of the real age of the minor. Neither shall it be a defense that he/she did not know nor had any reason to believe that the cigarette or any other tobacco product was for the consumption of the minor to whom it was sold.

Section 10. Sale of Tobacco Products Within School Perimeters - The sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred (100) meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequented particularly by minors.

Section 11. Signage - Point-of-Sale establishments offering, distributing or selling tobacco products to consumers, shall post the following statement in a clear and conspicuous manner: "SALE/DISTRIBUTION TO OUR PURCHASE BY MINORS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IS UNLAWFUL" or " IT IS LAWFUL FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD/DISTRIBUTED TO OR PURCHASED BY PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE".

Section 12. Proof Of Age Verification - In case of doubt as to the age of the buyer, retailers shall verify, by means of any valid from of photographic identification containing the date of birth of the bearer, that no individual purchasing a tobacco is below eighteen (18) years of age.



Take your complaint up with the feds

 

[robinb]

I can't understand why people get mad because some one does not allow them to BREAK RULES.

Op. here are the federal guidelines on sales of tobacco products.

Section 9. Minimum Age Sales - Under this Act, It shall be unlawful:
a. For any retailer or tobacco products to sell or distribute tobacco products to any minor;
b. For any person to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from a minor;
c. For a minor to sell or buy cigarettes or any tobacco products; and
d. For a minor to smoke cigarettes or any other tobacco products.

It shall not be a defense for the person selling or distributing that he/she did not know or was aware of the real age of the minor. Neither shall it be a defense that he/she did not know nor had any reason to believe that the cigarette or any other tobacco product was for the consumption of the minor to whom it was sold.

Section 10. Sale of Tobacco Products Within School Perimeters - The sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred (100) meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequented particularly by minors.

Section 11. Signage - Point-of-Sale establishments offering, distributing or selling tobacco products to consumers, shall post the following statement in a clear and conspicuous manner: "SALE/DISTRIBUTION TO OUR PURCHASE BY MINORS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IS UNLAWFUL" or " IT IS LAWFUL FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD/DISTRIBUTED TO OR PURCHASED BY PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE".

Section 12. Proof Of Age Verification - In case of doubt as to the age of the buyer, retailers shall verify, by means of any valid from of photographic identification containing the date of birth of the bearer, that no individual purchasing a tobacco is below eighteen (18) years of age.



Take your complaint up with the feds

I'm a little confused about how you think that quoting the federal statutes supports your position. Especially Section 12 that you bolded yourself. No where in that statute does it say that retailers are required to check IDs for each and every customer who purchases tobacco products. They are required to check IDs "in case of doubt as to the age of the buyer". The decision to check IDs for everyone attempting to purchase tobacco products, from children to the elderly, is simply a store policy. It is not the law.

 

[eliza61]

No they are not required. I never said they were but they have the RIGHT to ask for id if they feel there is some ambiguity and obviously that particular taget felt the need to do so. As the regulations IF there is some doubt the retailer can ask for id and refuse the sale.

 

[descovy]

I was carded the other day at Target when buying liquid Tylenol for my DD. It wasn't behind the counter at the pharmacy, it was off the shelf. And I've bought it with absolutely no problems for years...that was the first time I had been carded for it.

I laughed at the cashier and said "you're kidding,right? It's Tylenol." Nope, she had to see my ID. Okay, I handed it over (thinking she was just checking the birthdate) and she scanned it.

Guess what? I won't be going back to that Target again. I'll buy it at my local Mom and Pop place where I won't get hassled about it.

You were "hassled"? Or were you just asked politely for your id?

Just curious... I would be upset if I were hassled, but asked for it politley... well cashier is just doing their job.

I am a cashier at Target. It is annoying for me to have to stop the whole transaction and ask for ID (especially when people can't even be bothered to get off their cell phone...grrr...) but I totally see why they do it.

Take coupons for example, some cashiers follow it to the letter, some cashiers incorrectly either deny a legitimate coupon or allow non-eligable coupons to be used. Some cashiers are experienced, some are just sales floor people helping a "back-up," some are new, some honestly are lazy and just don't care

Mistakes are made with coupons all the time... not nearly as big a deal as alcohol, medicine, M-rated games, etc... So now the Target register STOPS and will not continue without an id scanned... whether your cashier is new, experienced or lazy... it is a no-fail way to stay out of trouble.

I, for one, like my job very much. Been there for 2 years, so I pretty much know what I'm doing. But I can't give-in to someone's "stink" about showing ID. Your minor inconvienence is not worth me risking my job...

 

[DisneyMom81]

I think the problem here is that its a new thing for most people. Personally, I've never had to get anything yet that I've been carded for (meaning drug wise). People are caught off guard by it, especially since the last time they got "it" "it" was on the regular shelf, in the middle of the store, and it was a non-issue.
Personally, I wouldn't really mind someone looking at my licence or whatever, but it would bother me that they scan it. Why are they doing that? Where is that scan going? Is it just for the store your in, or is the government keeping track of how much tylanol I'm getting for the 5 year old?
What if I have 10 kids, and they all have a fever at once, and I need a lot of bottles. Is that a problem, and whos it a problem for (meaning why are the scanning my licence, and who/where is it going to)?
People are allowed to ask these questions, and even get annoyed when this stuff happens. Its all because its new to them, and they don't understand it.... As long as no one starts yelling at the cash register kid.

 

[robinb]

No they are not required. I never said they were but they have the RIGHT to ask for id if they feel there is some ambiguity and obviously that particular taget felt the need to do so. As the regulations IF there is some doubt the retailer can ask for id and refuse the sale.

There is no way that a cashier would mistake any 40+ year old woman for a 20-year old girl. None. Zip.

 

[eliza61]

There is no way that a cashier would mistake any 40+ year old woman for a 20-year old girl. None. Zip.

Moot point. The store is well within it's right to ask any and every body for ID when selling federally regulated pharmaceuticals, fire arms, tobacoo or alcohol. Maybe the cashier was instructed by her supervisor to card every body. Maybe that is the stores overall policy.
Whatever. If you wish to purchase these items, you may be asked for ID, whether you are 4, 14, 44 or 94. You do have the right to politely refuse and move on.
Nowadays in most states, if you wish to buy cold or allegy medicine with decongestion in it you must produce a valid license or some other form of id and you are only allowed to purchase a specific quantity. Don't like it, speak to your representative. The store will comply with regulations.

Non vent.

 

[sbell111]

... My dad ordered his usual - Southern Comfort Manhattan on the rocks with a cherry (don't ask). ...

Manhattans use cherries as garnish just like martinis typically use olives.

There is no way that a cashier would mistake any 40+ year old woman for a 20-year old girl. None. Zip.

The cash register is set up the way it is to protect the store. It's as simple as this: If the system requires that everyone be carded, there is no way that someone will get through without being carded. This guarantees that no fines will be leveled against the store and takes one risk of having to fire a cashier off the table.

 

[merryweather20]

You were "hassled"? Or were you just asked politely for your id?

Just curious... I would be upset if I were hassled, but asked for it politley... well cashier is just doing their job.

I am a cashier at Target. It is annoying for me to have to stop the whole transaction and ask for ID (especially when people can't even be bothered to get off their cell phone...grrr...) but I totally see why they do it.

Take coupons for example, some cashiers follow it to the letter, some cashiers incorrectly either deny a legitimate coupon or allow non-eligable coupons to be used. Some cashiers are experienced, some are just sales floor people helping a "back-up," some are new, some honestly are lazy and just don't care

Mistakes are made with coupons all the time... not nearly as big a deal as alcohol, medicine, M-rated games, etc... So now the Target register STOPS and will not continue without an id scanned... whether your cashier is new, experienced or lazy... it is a no-fail way to stay out of trouble.

I, for one, like my job very much. Been there for 2 years, so I pretty much know what I'm doing. But I can't give-in to someone's "stink" about showing ID. Your minor inconvienence is not worth me risking my job...

I'm guessing you misunderstood her post. She was fine with them checking her id, but there was no need to scan it.

Here a store called Winners, had a security breach and someone made off with alot of personal information. In the investigation, they found out that they never needed most of the stolen information, customers just willingly supplied it, ID like a drivers license.

Target is simply a store they have no expertise in storing private information, so they shouldn't store it.

 

[robinb]

Moot point. The store is well within it's right to ask any and every body for ID when selling federally regulated pharmaceuticals, fire arms, tobacoo or alcohol. Maybe the cashier was instructed by her supervisor to card every body. Maybe that is the stores overall policy.

No, the point is not moot at all. It is clear from the statute that you provided that the verification of age is related to the apparent age of the individual.

Section 12. Proof Of Age Verification - In case of doubt as to the age of the buyer, retailers shall verify, by means of any valid from of photographic identification containing the date of birth of the bearer, that no individual purchasing a tobacco is below eighteen (18) years of age.

If there is any doubt that the purchaser is 17 or younger then the retailer must ask for proof of age. However, just because the law requires them to check IDs for individuals who appear to be younger than 18, it does not give the retailer the "right" to ask for proof of age for everyone.

I will agree that a retailer may institute policies that make the enforcement of federal and state statues easier to cover their butts. In this case, Target has a instituted a policy where everyone must show ID for the purchase of tobacco.

Whatever. If you wish to purchase these items, you may be asked for ID, whether you are 4, 14, 44 or 94. You do have the right to politely refuse and move on.

We are in agreement here. If someone doesn't like the policy they can always go somewhere else to make their purchase. No biggie.

Nowadays in most states, if you wish to buy cold or allegy medicine with decongestion in it you must produce a valid license or some other form of id and you are only allowed to purchase a specific quantity. Don't like it, speak to your representative. The store will comply with regulations

Apples and oranges. Those statutes apply to everyone not just a sub-set of the population.