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It can be tempting to ignore policy, or even the law, to make things more convenient, but it might cause problems down the road.

That is what happened in this story when the manager of a store sold some cigarettes to a customer who didn’t have the proper ID.

Some time later, when she came back to buy again, this employee refused to sell them to her because she didn’t have the right ID. The customer demanded the cigarettes since the manager had sold them to her in the past, and when she didn’t get them, she became violent.

This is why it is important for everyone, especially managers, to follow the law and company policy. Read through the full story and see what you think.

Manager broke the law, I suffered the repercussions.

I had a 3 hour shift tonight, and spent most of it in the express box.

A short shift like that is hardly worth the effort.

I restocked and organized the cigarette drawers after someone messed with it, and made it all pretty. Small shift, but whatever, it was $60.

The government just raised the prices on most of the products, so I had to deal with a lot of angry customers who somehow thought I was behind it. Only a couple of people who needed to show me ID.

What even is a ‘proof of age card’?

I haven’t had to turn away many people due to not having any ID when I’ve asked for it, but almost all of them have left without a fuss, and came back with their ID.

This one, however, she walks up, asking for her brand and strength, and I ask for ID. She presents a proof of age card.

We have several acceptable ID’s that we take. Driver’s licenses, passports, photo cards. But, we don’t accept proof of age cards. Don’t ask me why, I’ve no clue.

Just because someone else let it pass doesn’t mean she has to.

Me: “Sorry, we can’t use that card to sell cigarettes to you.”

Customer: “What? I used it here two days ago – the manager said it was okay.”

I looked at the guidelines again, double checking. Nope. NSW doesn’t accept proof of age cards.

Even if the manager allowed it, she won’t.

Me: “It says here that we legally can’t accept it. I’m sorry.”

Customer: “Look, the manager sold cigarettes to me. Why can’t you take it now?”

Getting upset isn’t going to get her the cigarettes.

Me: “We’ve never been allowed to take them. Whomever accepted it violated the law, but I don’t want to risk a fine or losing my job. I’m sorry.”

Customer: “IT WORKED TWO DAYS AGO. GIVE ME MY SMOKES, YOU *****.”

Me: “I’m sorry. I can’t sell it to you.”

Wow, this escalated quickly.

I serve the next customer waiting, whilst she gets on the phone to someone and curses me out to whoever’s on the other end.

I grab his pack of cigarettes from the drawer, and suddenly, there’s two hands clamped around my arm and wrist, trying to get the packet out of my hand.

She’s screaming and spitting at my face, yanking at my arm and punching me in the head.

This could have been worse.

I ended up being pulled up and almost over the counter before other customers helped her let me go.

Aside from a massive scare, a headache, and a few scratches and bruises on my arm, ribs and hips, I think I’m okay.

That customer needs to be in jail.

She ran for it, but we were told to call the police if she shows up again. She has apparently been banned a few times by the store for aggressive behavior.

I have a shift tomorrow, but I seriously don’t think I’m up for it. I’m still shaking.

What a crazy story. Nobody should be assaulted just for doing their job.

Let’s see what the people in the comments have to say about what happened.

This commenter is exactly right.

Honestly, not accepting that ID is stupid. But it isn’t up to them.

This commenter says to call the cops. I agree.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about an employee who cleverly shuts down customer arguments about closing time.

Verbal assault should be an automatic ban from the store.

Hopefully this incident was recorded.

I hope she called the police and that this woman got arrested. This must have been such a terrifying experience.

It all could have been avoided if the manager just did their job properly.