An Amazon customer was left bemused when a courier refused to hand over her festive booze delivery because she didn't have ID.
The guidance from the Wine and Trade Association in the UK is to challenge somebody if they look under 25, and ask to see photographic ID to prove they are 18 or over, but Natasha Bain was baffled to be asked to prove her age at 51.
Natasha doesn't own a passport and has no driving licence, as she's disabled. She ordered the booze for herself as a treat, seeing as she is spending the festive period on her own in tier 4 area Kent.
So, she was unhappy to be left without her Jack Daniels whiskey and vanilla vodka last Monday, because she didn't have any documentation on her.
Advert
The former administrator explained that she didn't have photo ID, but pleaded with the driver to 'use common sense' - pointing out her mature age.
Natasha, from Gillingham, said: "I was really annoyed. It's left me worrying I won't be able to receive parcels in the future.
"I'd ordered a bottle of vanilla vodka, a bottle of Jack Daniels, Gentleman Jack whiskey and two bottles of Angostura bitters for Christmas. I don't drink very often but I thought I'd treat myself.
"I thought that'd be nice for over the Christmas and New Year period so I can make myself some cocktails.
"I opened the door and the Amazon driver just stood there and looked at me. I said 'that's for me' and he held on to it and said 'no, I need to see ID'."
Natasha went on: "I went to get my bank card and he said 'no, I've got to see photographic ID'.
"I said 'are you joking? I haven't got a passport or driving licence. I can't drive because of my epilepsy.'"
Advert
Natasha's friends have since told her to take things as a compliment.
"In 10 years if I want to go to the cinema, I will only be able to go to PG films," she joked.
Frustrated Natasha called Amazon's customer service team after the incident and claims she was told to use a birth certificate - though later claims she was informed this wouldn't be enough after all.
She later asked a neighbour to receive her booze for her, but it didn't arrive by the time promised.
Advert
After sharing her problem online, Natasha claims she has spoken to others with 'similar problems'.
She's now calling on Amazon drivers to 'use common sense' in the future.
"From listening to others, they've had similar problems as well," Natasha said. "You can see I'm over the age of 21 - why can't drivers use common sense and discretion?"
She added: "I think it's really good that they're being very cautious, but there is a limit where you can just use your own brains."
In response, an Amazon spokesperson said: "We take our responsibility in relation to the sale of age-restricted items extremely seriously.
"To confirm the recipient is over 18 years, valid photographic ID with a date of birth is required upon delivery for all age-restricted products. We are working directly with the customer on matters related to their package delivery."
Topics: Shopping, Real, Life, Alcohol, Amazon