AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I'm not a drinker. So, I don't have much experience when it comes to buying booze.
I have made a pot roast recipe a few times that involves adding some red
wine, and I've never had an issue buying a bottle of wine at my local
grocery store here in West Union. (Incidentally, here's the recipe click — it's fantastic!)
On Sunday I decided—with this icebox weather—it would be a good day to
pick up the fixin's for that pot roast again. So, I called up my pal,
Johnny to see if he needed anything from Walmart. Yup, he needed a few
things; so I swung by his place and off to Decorah we went.
When we arrived there, Johnny headed off to hardware; and I made a
beeline to the grocery section to pick up a few ingredients—including
the cheapest bottle of pinot noir I could find.
A half hour later I'd wrapped up my shopping; and as I was ringing up my
purchases at the self-checkout, a young man—a store employee—approached
me and asked for my ID. Something, somewhere had flagged my purchases
indicating I had an alcoholic beverage in my cart.
At 72 years of age . . . I was being CARDED! I suppose I should have been flattered.
The young man said, "May I see your ID?"
"I don't have my driver's license on me."
"I need an ID."
"You have to be kidding!! Do I look like I'm 18?"
"I'm sorry . . . "
"I'd like to speak to your manager."
I continued scanning my items; and eventually a middle-aged lady approached with a very serious expression on her face.
"Ma'am, I'm told I need to have an ID to purchase this $2.98 bottle of red wine."
"That's right."
"But I don't—"
"Doesn't matter!" she interrupted, "We need to see your ID."
"You can't be serious!"
By this time, Johnny had wandered over to see what this confrontation was all about.
I continued pleading my case to the dour manager as I gestured towards
Johnny: "Tell you what—my buddy here has his ID, just give him the
bottle of wine; and he'll buy it."
"Can't do that!" she tersely replied.
"What?! Why can't he buy it?"
"Cuz I know, he'll give it to you!"
"Huh??!!"
"He's welcome to go to the back of the store and pick up another bottle of wine . . . but he can't have this one!"
Stunned silence . . .
"C'mon Johnny, let's get outta here!"
Needless to say, that night when I got home, I filed a complaint online
with Walmart. And today, I got a very nice call from the Walmart store
manager.
He was extremely cordial and agreed that this particular shift manager .
. . this mean, mean lady was way out of line; and he's "gonna have a
talk with her."
What?! Don't judge me! So, when was the last time you were carded??!!
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