Myster Shoppers- Tesco

GavisconExtra

HI, just wondering about something. What is the reason for mystery shoppers for ID checks in Tesco? Is it to ensure that staff are asking for ID or if the person isnt asked for ID will Tesco be in trouble and get fined? Or is it just that the staff member will get in trouble if they do not ask for ID, and if so does anyone have any idea how much trouble they may get in?

Ken.

A shop not asking for ID and getting caught selling alcohol or tobacco to a minor can be fined and suspended from selling either alcohol or tobacco. If a shop didn't have a separate alcohol shop the whole place could be closed. The worker can be fined also and could be fired for gross misconduct.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/alcohol_and_the_law.html
Temporary closure orders
Some offences under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2003 (the sale of alcohol to people under 18, allowing people under 18 in licensed premises during extended hours and allowing people under 18 to be in an off-licence unaccompanied) can result in a temporary closure order. This order is imposed by the District Court in addition to any fine that may be payable by the licence holder. The premises must be closed for a period not less than 2 days and not exceeding 7 days for a first offence, or of not less than 7 days and not more than 30 days for a second or any subsequent such offence. Any premises closed due to a temporary closure order must display a sign outside giving details of the length of the closure and stating that the closure is in compliance with a court order. In the event of persistent offenders, a court can ultimately demand the forfeiture of a licence.

delahuntv

GavisconExtra wrote: »

HI, just wondering about something. What is the reason for mystery shoppers for ID checks in Tesco? Is it to ensure that staff are asking for ID or if the person isnt asked for ID will Tesco be in trouble and get fined? Or is it just that the staff member will get in trouble if they do not ask for ID, and if so does anyone have any idea how much trouble they may get in?

It can either be a company appointed mystery shopper who is ensuring that the age rules the sale of various products such as alcohol and tobacco are adhered to.

In the terms and conditions of employment there is probably some details about it as well as memos and training whereby if the customer looks under a certain age (usually set at anything from 23-30 depending on the store) the staff member must ask for proof of age via id. If the staff member does not do this and is found not doing this via a mystery shopping check, then they would probably get a warning.


A second mystery shop check can sometimes take place by gardai - this would only be looking for someone under 18 to be sold alcohol. Possibly the rule that someone age 18-21 must show/have ID may also be required in retail outlets (its required in bars & clubs).

The offence of selling to someone under 18 is taken very seriously and the store will be prosecuted. The offence of selling to someone 18-21 and not checking ID is taken less seriously and usually would just warrant a warning to the premises.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

My wife was a mystery shopper for a while. It is not just about ID for alcohol. Far from it. Service, efficiency, helpfulness, product knowledge etc were all tested.

L1011

Tescos POS software prompts for the customer to be "clearly over 30" so I'd imagine they can't check this on every visit or even close - a lot of the mystery shoppers would be over 30.

I'm not, and the fact they always hit the button immediately is a bit depressing!

Snoopy1

Ive been a mystery shopper in England (would love to do it in Ireland). They would get into big big trouble if they were selling to under age people. But as the poster above said its not just about ID, its also about service etc

wmpdd3

L1011 wrote: »

Tescos POS software prompts for the customer to be "clearly over 30" so I'd imagine they can't check this on every visit or even close - a lot of the mystery shoppers would be over 30.

I'm not, and the fact they always hit the button immediately is a bit depressing!

Its over 25, its the 'Think 25 policy'.

There are separate mystery shoppers that only do ID, nothing else. Every store is done once a month. Service is measured by customer interview.

L1011

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Its over 25, its the 'Think 25 policy'.

There are separate mystery shoppers that only do ID, nothing else. Every store is done once a month. Service is measured by customer interview.

Till system button has 30 on it - look careful at the console on the self-checkouts when they're doing it next time.