This one is for the debators!!!

[southernclass]

Many of the Wal-Mart's that do not have a liquor and tobacco store seperate are forcing customers with maybe only one other item to wait in a specific line to buy these products, even though their are lines for people with under 10 items

--Do you think that because society views these things as bad that the smokers and drinkers should be singled out and have to wait forever or

---Do you think that the cashier should have to go and get the products since that is what they are paid for in the first place....


Have fun

 

[Eeyore1954]

Their store - their rules. I don't think it has anything to do with society's views on alcohol and tobacco. Nor do I think the cashier should be required to become a "fetcher" for these people.

This is the way free enterprise works in America. If you don't like it, you can always shop somewhere else!

 

[BedKnobbery2]

I agree with Eeyore, but would also add that these restrictions aren't in place to "punish" smokers and drinkers, but rather to prevent theft and/or sales to minors.

 

[Bumbles]

well, I bow to the expertise of the master debators, but I agree, it's their store..they can do what they want

Our Wal-Marts still have other express lanes open besides the tobacco ones (btw..only our SUper Wal-Marts down here sell beer and wine..no liquor) and they don't make you go to the separate lines for the booze..tobacco..yes, booze, no

 

[cheyita]

I also believe it is so they can have that register staffed by someone over 21, so they are not constantly calling for approvals.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I think there could be several reasons. In Illinois you must be 21 to sell the alcohol. Which means many cashiers are not allowed to run that six pack of beer across the scanner. That means they have to stop the line and call somebody 21+yo over to scan the item. Many of the grocery stores around here specify one or two lanes as "alcohol checkout" and they make sure the cashier is legally qualified to sell.

They might also be providing additional training to some of their cashiers in regards to asking for identification to prove age. State laws regarding a stores liability for illegaly selling alcohol and tobacco are getting harsher.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

unlike most other products, proof of age is required for purchases of tobacco and alcohol. the store needs to be able to verify proof of age. the store could face penalties if it did not enforce that requirement. if that means designating a specific line for the customers making such purchases, that's the perogative of management. they wouldn't do it if they got a significant number of customer complaints and felt it was affecting their profit margin.

 

[tinkerbeth]

Well, since you asked for a debate...

We don't shop at Walmart at all; we boycott it. Because of its market flooding ways and that it puts lots of smaller businesses out of business.

How's that for inflamatory!

 

[poohandwendy]

I just found out about this policy at our local Walmart. It irks me. Not because our Walmart has a specific cashier for it, (that is a good idea, IMO) but because that line is also a 10 items or less aisle. If I buy groceries, I cannot buy cigarettes without rejoining yet another line to do so. I'll take my business elsewhere. Their store, their rules. My money, my decision.

Edited to add- When I asked the mgmt why they don't use the 2 close by aisles for this purpose, one being express and one for those who purchase many items (They have like 30 checkout aisles)...he gave me a blank stare (I think I confused him)...I just won't shop at that store...

As far as some sort of societal 'anti-smoker' thing, no, that isn't the issue IMO.

 

[southernclass]

OK!! No debate here well here is my two cents.

Everyone knows Wal_Mart has the best prices so of course that is where most everyone shops.

I think if I am spending over 1000 per month in their store they should respect that the customer is always right and make it a little easier.

There are people who have to do all their grocery shopping; some who have irritable children with them, then stand in one line to check out their groceries and then after all that have to go stand in another line and wait again just to get a pack of cigarettes.

I do think it is very inconsiderate. If the reason was to do with the minor thing they can still have cigs at every check out counter and card them. It is no safer having one poor girl have to do it.

Also, when I go to any other store the girl is required to leave her register and get those items if they are not by the register. I am sure she is explained what she has to do before she is hired so by taking the job she is admitting she does not mind doing it, or at the very least she needs the money.

Some people make a poor waitress who only makes two bucks an hour wait on them all night and then only leave her two or three dollars!!!

I put my shopping cart back, if I spill something I pick it up, and all I am asking for is a pack of Malboro's from a cashier that makes way more than minimium wage anyway.

On the other hand I think it is kind of good that in a way I am having to go through some trouble to purchase something that is killing me anyway.

 

[cardaway]

Originally posted by southernclass
I think if I am spending over 1000 per month in their store they should respect that the customer is always right and make it a little easier.

There are people who have to do all their grocery shopping; some who have irritable children with them, then stand in one line to check out their groceries and then after all that have to go stand in another line and wait again just to get a pack of cigarettes.

Just as there are lots of customers who would prefer not to wait while the cashier cards people.

And to make matters worse, I've recently been carded to buy a R rated video.

 

[Galahad]

Originally posted by cheyita
I also believe it is so they can have that register staffed by someone over 21, so they are not constantly calling for approvals.

Yes. It's probably more practical than idealogical. I remember many years ago, buying beer or wine at a grocery. The rules said that only a person over 21 could sell it to me. There was nobody over 21 in working that day, so they had me lean over the counter and push the "sale" button on the cash register.

 

[poohandwendy]

Another point is that every other store in our area seems to handle the sale of cigarettes with no problem.

As to the previous comment regarding cashiers 'fetching' for customers. Many different items are kept behind counters and/or under lock and key. Like batteries, electronics equipment, video games, even razors (at one store). I don't think this is any different.

 

[southernclass]

Originally posted by cardaway
Just as there are lots of customers who would prefer not to wait while the cashier cards people.

And to make matters worse, I've recently been carded to buy a R rated video.

You have to wait anyway!! People who wait to write out the entire check, food stamp cards, WICK, credit cards, an I.D. hardly takes any time at all compared to these things.

 

[poohandwendy]

Just as there are lots of customers who would prefer not to wait while the cashier cards people.

So, should there be only ONE line for those who write checks or dig through their purse for change also? I mean, I have to wait for them also.

 

[debster812]

Originally posted by southernclass
I think if I am spending over 1000 per month in their store they should respect that the customer is always right and make it a little easier.

With all due respect, the amount of money you spend with a company should not amount to anything with regards to how you are treated. In theory they should treat you the same whether you are a first time customer running in for a gallon of milk, or whether you are in there ALL the time, spending $1000/month (which BTW for a company of Wal-Mart's size is a drop in the bucket, again with all due respect).

I'm sure they are not set up to 'stick it' to the cigarette and alcohol purchasers, it's just logistics, and legality that make it that way.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Originally posted by Galahad
Yes. It's probably more practical than idealogical. I remember many years ago, buying beer or wine at a grocery. The rules said that only a person over 21 could sell it to me. There was nobody over 21 in working that day, so they had me lean over the counter and push the "sale" button on the cash register.

Oh my, that's *really* funny!!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I always thought these items were kept behind counters to aid in preventing underage people from stealing them??

 

[poohandwendy]

I'm sure they are not set up to 'stick it' to the cigarette and alcohol purchasers, it's just logistics, and legality that make it that way.

I agre, and it isn't about how much money I spend there...I just disagree with only one line (a 10 items or less line) being set aside.

 

[Bumbles]

Originally posted by southernclass
I think if I am spending over 1000 per month in their store they should respect that the customer is always right and make it a little easier.

you're serious, aren't you?

wow..