Walmart does have an odd policy where they card everyone in the group (or at least it seems that way, but I have heard of them carding not just the person buying alcohol here). This is because the cashier and store can get in trouble for selling to someone of age who is buying for a minor. I don't know how this is supposed to work, or even be enforceable, but it is the law.
I haven't run into both of us having to show ID there. I would have mine on me if I drove, but since I don't like to carry luggage (a purse) especially when shopping, we've had similar situations where I wouldn't have an ID on me if my husband drove.
I think this is the main issue here. I do wonder how a store might be held accountable for something they could not control. The only thing I think a store can really do is require proof of legal age during the transaction actually conducted -- the sale. Whether or not a person gives their purchase to someone underage at some later point is outside the scope of the store's ability to exercise any control.
After writing out a lengthy reply, I decided to do a search on Wal-Mart's alcohol policy. I saw postings of people complaining about being refused the sale of alcohol due to things like, running into a friend while shopping and both approaching the checkout counter at the same time -- the friend not having an ID and not buying alcohol -- but that friend being required to show proof of ID for someone else's separate purchase, because they appeared to know each other -- even though they did not arrive at the store together, and it was only a chance encounter...and...being refused the sale of alcohol for having their own child with them of the age that
might appear to be a teenager, even though they were not.
I haven't been able to find for sure if it a law, identify what law that is -- or if it's a store policy.
If there is really such a law, I think we have reached the stage of
bizarre law wackiness, that we would have laws (supposedly for the protection of children) that would easily encourage some people to leave their children unattended at home, or in the car, so as not to be a spectator in a legal purchase.
I can't see how anyone would think such a law would stop someone of legal age, who intends to purchase alcohol and give it to someone underage, from doing so. The only thing they have to do is not have the underage person go in the store with them. It won't stop the kinds of sales it's intended to address. I see no benefit from it.
Myself, as a former cashier, I couldn't care less about how you felt about being carded. I even had someone complain about me to the main office because I carded them and would not sell to them because they didn't have their ID (which turned into a compliment from the office for doing my job). I have been yelled at, cussed at, and have seen an array of upset and angry reactions because I asked to see ID. I don't care. No ID = No tobacco/alcohol. I don't care if it ruins your night.
I agree with you about carding everyone. If I was a cashier selling alcohol, even if I wasn't required to, I would most likely card everyone
making a purchase, for the simple fact of it being that I could truthfully say
I card everyone that I sell alcohol to, and I would apologize to the grandpa/grandma customer that I card everyone equally, while requiring they show it to me.
I've been in retail before (not selling alcohol) and I totally get it that cashiers in such situations would often have to deal with people just dumping their frustration about the law on them, and I would not expect a cashier to have to assume the actual risk just because someone buying alcohol didn't bring their ID with them. People know there is a legal age established
for buying alcohol. That's no secret.
I have issue with making arbitrary connections of proximity to and requirements of people not making a purchase, as if they are making a purchase. If it's a law, I think it's a bad law. If it's a policy, and simply not posted -- I think it's a poor business practice to have such a policy and not post it clearly.
