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Over 18: Jack Archer, 87, was asked to prove he was old enough to drink

AT 87, Jack Archer thought his days of being asked to prove his age at the checkout were long gone.

But he was shocked - and flattered - when a worker at his local supermarket asked if he was old enough to buy a bottle of sherry.

Mr Archer is one of a number of bemused pensioners to be asked for identification to prove they are over 18 at Morrisons, in Acomb, York.

Staff have been ordered to adopt the hardline stance after the supermarket was reprimanded for selling alcohol to an under-18.

Mr Archer, a former Lord Mayor of York, said: "I don't think I look my age, but they must have known I'm not under 18 - it's just silly.

"The girl said she had to ask how old I was. I was totally stumped and just said, "I'm over 80 - will that do? I don't blame the individual staff because they are just obeying instructions. I should think they get a few complaints, though."

Don Parlabean, 70, chairman of York Older People's Assembly, was also asked for identification while trying to buy alcohol at the store.

"I think it's a ridiculous policy," he said.

"Surely the staff can use a bit of common sense? You don't need to ask someone in their 70s and 80s if they are old enough to buy booze.

"When they asked if I was old enough, I offered to show them my bus pass.

"I've known people to be really put out by being asked for identification."

A spokeswoman for Morrisons said: "Store staff are trained to be highly vigilant in the sale of alcohol and the detection of potential under-age purchases.

"The question is not being asked to cause offence and no disrespect is intended.

"We simply wish to make sure that we satisfy our moral and legal obligations with regard to the sale of alcohol.

"As a member of the Retail Alcohol Standards Group, we take our responsibility with regard to selling alcohol very seriously and have procedures in place designed to ensure that we meet all legal requirements."

6:02am Thursday 25th January 2007

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