Store refuses to sell cigarettes to pensioner without ID

A pensioner in northern Sweden has vowed never again to set foot in his local supermarket after being asked to prove he was over 18 when buying a pack of cigarettes.

Published: 7 July 2008 14:33 CEST

Karl-Erik Borg, 64, got the urge for a quick smoke after having dinner with some friends at a restaurant in central Gällivare, Aftonbladet reports.

But when he placed a pack of Marlboros on the counter the cashier at the ICA supermarket immediately asked to see some identification, which Borg had left at home.

“I was furious. I’ve never felt so insulted in my entire life. And I’ve never experience anything so ridiculous either,” he told Aftonbladet.

Determined to have his post-prandial puff, Borg sent a female acquaintance up to the counter in his stead and soon he was able to light up. But the experience left a bad taste in his mouth.

“Seriously, if the cashiers can’t tell the difference between an 18-year-old and a pensioner who has served in six UN battalions, it’s enough to make you wonder if they can even tell the difference between a 500 kronor note and a 50,” said Borg.

But the supermarket ordeal may turn out have positive long-term effects for the ex-military man’s health.

“The whole episode has made me so angry that I’ve decided to quit smoking for good,” he said.