Bandera, Texas.
About 1 year ago, I was shopping at the local Super S foods and had, amongst other things, a dozen Coors Light. As a silver-haired 66 year old man, I didn’t expect to be challenged.
I was asked for proof of age and produced a State issued wallet-sized Birth Certificate but was told that was not satisfactory and that I needed to produce a State Drivers License. I extended my wallet with my Drivers License very visible and was told that was not sufficient as they MUST scan it. I did so reluctantly and asked what the militancy was about and was told it was a TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) requirement.
That night, I checked out TABC online and found that they specifically state that they have no requirements for ID to be produced and that there is no specific ID that must be produced but that a store MAY require ID as a STORE POLICY.
I printed copies and the next time I ATTEMPTED to purchase Coors Light, I produce the printed copy when asked for ID. Remember, I’m 66 years old.
Well, we ended up with 2 Store (under) Managers and I was referred to the Store Manager who conceded that it wasn’t TABC policy and promised to correct the posted statements regarding ID requirements by TABC.
He NEVER DID and I have not shopped there since.
I’m 66 years old and you would never have reason to doubt my age but scanning my drivers license allows them to record and track my purchases and I draw the line in the sand there.
Enough.
When I first moved to Houston, I didn’t have a TX driver’s License and tried to by beer using my Military ID. Most of the time there was no problem but 2 times they would not accept it. I showed them my OK Driver’s License and they would not take that either.
I was a pretty pissed off 40 year old. Oh yeah, on top of that, the woman that did this once to me could barely tell me why the US Military ID wasn’t good enough in English.
Do not try to purchase alcohol or tobacco products in Walgreens or other related stores - they scan your driver’s license and share the information with the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation.
I have no problem producing ID proving my age for age restricted purchases - I have a serious problem with the store retaining my information for payment from another entity seeking to deny me my rights to purchase said products.
I had the same thing happen to me at regional grocery store chain that has jumped through all kinds of hoops to be allow to sell wine and beer. (from PA here ... ass-backwards alcohol laws and business regulations.). At one time they had a wine vending machine ... A huge thing, had cameras, breathalyzer and a Liquior Control Board employee on the other side of the camera. Hardly anyone bought from the thing. It is gone now. Now the same store has a separate beer section and they scan driver licenses at checkout. The first time I tried to buy beer there and was asked for my drivers license, I said, "No". They didn't relent, so I left the beer on the counter and walked out. I have continued to buy my beer from businesses thar don't card me. I am in my late 40's and look every minute of it. It was the grocery store's policy, not state law.
The problem with Texas driver's licenses, is that they store your complete and personal history (that is known to them in their databases) on the magnetic tape, not just your ID #, and active status.
It's one of the reasons they scan it when you buy over the counter cold medication and you are only allowed to buy one per month.
The TPTB just don't need to know certain information, and they have trained the younger generations that there is no harm in just giving the information up, and don't see m to understand why certain people won't comply.... after all, if you've done nothing wrong, there's no harm in giving the information... /s
Hey, I’m 67, and get carded frequently.
I don’t know if it’s a joke, but I have broken out laughing numerous times, and the clerks look so puzzled at my laughter. It’s a strange world we live in.