scarring experience

[joeyz6]

I had an infuriating experience last night at a local wine store (Binny's, for those of you from Chicago). I spent 45 minutes meticulously picking out about 5 or 6 bottles of wine recommended to me or that looked good, with a friend of mine who is 20. In the checkout line, the woman asked us BOTH for ID, even though he was just buying a Coke, and since he's not 21, she refused to sell me the wines. That was frustrating enough. But then I came back four hours later and the same checkout woman saw me and refused me service again! I'm 21 and somewhat of a novice at wine appreciation, and this has really placed a black cloud over my love for wine. I spent last year in Europe (Paris, mainly), where they snicker when told of our liquor-selling policies.

Regardless of any technicalities in the law, this woman (and her manager) made a judgement call that I didn't appreciate. Needless to say, I'm not going to be back at Binny's for quite a while, if ever. Sam's has a much better selection anyway.

[Bucko]

Just let your feet do your talking. No need to stress over it. People who do not provide service will eventually fade away.

Bucko

[Innkeeper]

The world is full of people we could use descriptive expressions to identify. Being an old (expletive deleated), have learned to smile at them, walk away, and maybe whisper a little prayer for them.

[cpurvis]

joey, heed IK's wisdom. You have (hopefully) so many wine drinking years ahead that this experience is not worth the trouble to remember. Go directly to Sam's, buy those 6 bottles, & enjoy!...preferably one at a time as opposed to Winoweenie's method [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img] cp

[joeyz6]

Hey, thanks a lot for your encouragement. I woke up really crabby this morning but you all have made me feel a lot better!

[winoweenie]

Joey26 I'm Irate! The store was completely out of line and as long as your IDE was in order they had NO reason to make a judgement call as to what your intentions for your purchase would be. I've made every nickle, ( all 614 of them ) selling product. This store not only does not deserve your business, but, IMHO needs to have their patooties hauled into court for civil rights discrimination. I'd call the owner of this arrogant establishment and DEMAND an apology, OR ELSE!!! 'Course I taught at Botofugos' school of " Charm & Gentility ". WW

[Thomas]

This kind of situation happens a lot. I was once carded at a convenience store where I was trying to buy a so-called non-alcoholic wine (for research only). I was in my late forties at the time. When I talked it over with the owner he said the police had been harassing him and so he was being careful. I informed him that my graying beard alone would show even a dunce that I passed 21 quite a long time ago. His response was that I could have been wearing a mask.

Retailers need to be careful, but they do not have to be stupid. We have a large grocery chain in NY State that refuses to sell beer to adults who bring their children along for shopping. Sick (expletives).

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-29-2001).]

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-29-2001).]

[Drew]

Well you all know the latest trend in under age drinking is mixing fine wine with coke....That retailer saw through your plan Joey, you should be ashamed! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/tongue.gif[/img]

Drew

[joeyz6]

Thanks again to everybody for helping make me feel better. WW, I have already composed a letter to the owner, basically just explaining what happened, that I won't go to his store again, and then added a little commentary as well. I should say -- although I can't believe I'm actually going to defend the place -- that there is apparently an obscure, rarely cited city ordinance in Skokie (home of Binny's) that bans liquor stores from selling to people who bring in friends/family under 21 for that entire day. But regardless, the principle is the same and I agree they were out of line. Unless they thought I was wearing a mask. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

Drew, you've never had Coke & wine before? It's hot with the college crowd right now. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Thomas]

...to which coke do you refer? The one I am thinking of would be an abomination as a mixer for wine.

[joeyz6]

[img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/eek.gif[/img] foodie, I was just joking. Abomination probably isn't a sufficiently strong word. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Thomas]

Thanks for clearing that up--hey, with college people you never know. I once mixed orange soda with grain alcohol and threw up my insides afterwards--of course, that had something to do with the potato salad I ate prior to the drink--and I had already left college...

[hotwine]

Who said, "Confession is good for the soul?" I'm not so sure....