Can't purchase alcohol? What if we cheat?

Background: I used to work the graveshift at a grocery store. Since there’s a cut off time for alcohol, which is right when we close, we often get people rushing into the line at the last moment to buy alcohol. We do make several pages as we approach closing time.

Cast: Me RC: Rude Customer

Me: “Attention shoppers, we will be closing in five minutes. All alcohol sales end in five minutes.”

RC: (comes rushing in) “How long do I have?”

Me: “We close in five minutes. If you’re purchasing alcohol, we cannot sell it to you after that.”

RC: “Okay” (runs off towards our beer aisle)

Me: (a few minutes later) “Attention shoppers, we will be closing in two minutes. All alcohol sales end in two minutes.”

Me: (another couple of minutes later) “Attention shoppers, the store is now closed. Please come up front so we can check you out. There will be no more alcohol sales at this time.”

RC: (Comes rushing up and sets down a twelve pack) “Hold on, I’m here, I’m here. Ring me up.”

Me: “I’m sorry, it’s after closing time. We cannot sell alcohol to you.”

RC: “Yes you can, just scan it. They won’t care if it’s just a couple of minutes.”

Me: “No. I’m serious, we cannot ring it up.” (I pick up the bottles and scan them to show him. A message pops up saying “Not for Sale at this Time”. This happens with all alcoholic products at this time) “See? Our machines won’t let us. Besides, it’s illegal.”

RC: “No, it’s fine. Just ring it up as water bottles or something.”

Me: “I can’t do that. It’d be illegal. It could put my job at risk.”

RC: “How about I just hand you the money and you ring it up in the morning?”

Me: “Again, I can’t do that. I’m not going to put my job on the line just so you can have some beer.”

RC: “Fine. Then eff you. You just ruined my night. I hope you’re happy!” (Goes to pick up the twelve pack)

Me: “Don’t worry, sir, we’ll put the bottles back.”

RC: (Drops the bottles back on the conveyor and storms out. Fortunately none of the bottles break)

Just one of many nights where people got upset for trying to last minute their alcohol trip.