Father in Law refused service to purchase cigarettes. Tried to use his Alien ID.?

[elliot_trudeau284]

My Father in Law who is new to the USA and 55 years old attempted to purchase cigarettes at the Olympia AMPM gas mart and was refused. The clerk refused to accept his ID. The only ID he had was his US Government Alien Registration Photo ID. I believe he was refused service because he was an immigrant as there could be no other reason. What do you think? He felt humiliated as he was obviously over 18 years old. What should he do next?

 

[rickinnocal]

Does Washington have a "card everyone" law? If not, and your father is law is 55, and thus obviously old enough to buy cigarettes, then I'd suspect that racial discrimination was at play, and I'd try to speak to the owner of the store.

(I know in Alaska the law is that everyone must be carded, regardless of age, but I don't know if it's true in WA)

Richard

 

[Lov4nzyx2]

I'm surprised he was even carded, but some states do require EVERYONE to be carded. And some businesses actually have it POSTED that they only accept a state driver's license (which I have seen them refuse service to those from a state that is not even 2 miles away because it is not OUR state license). I think it is because it's too hard for them to be properly trained in identifying fake ID's and they are trying to give a general guideline that everyone has to follow.

If you are upset (I can understand why) contact the business and speak to the manager and ask why. Don't jump to conclusions too fast, but give them a chance to explain.

 

[Liam o]

Shops can refuse to sell anyone anything if they so like. I would use a different shop.

 

[Sparrow]

Is AMPM one of the stores that scans the ID's? That may have been the problem...I know 7-11 scans ID's as well.

I suggest just blowing it off, and never do business with the store again.

 

[herdoula]

A green card is legal ID. I suppose he could press some anti-discrimination charges. I'd give the store manager a call and talk to them.