Bottle King
Came in on a whim as I don't typically drink, but was with my nephew (who is a youthful biracial 21 year-old who I often live vicariously ). It was a warm Sunday night in July and figured we'd check the place out to see if there were any sales or something new, fun, or interesting- I hadn't been to a Bottle King since long before the pandemic, but knew they often carried some unique beverages as well as different novelties to promote various brands. Personally, I was also a little surprised to see a liquor store open on a Sunday since I'm from Bergen County and the blue law restricts the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Long story short, it was approaching closing time so, by the time we perused the store and made our way to the register, only one was lane was left open. The cashier was very sweet, but was surrounded by several other employees giving her a hand to make things move quicker. I got the impression she was fairly new because she seemed a bit shy and overwhelmed,- though I'd. probably feel the same way if my coworkers and boss were looking over my shoulder while I was doing my job- in reality no one was really doing anything in terms of helping since there was really not much to do at this point - the manager was conveniently flirting with some of the female associates by cracking corny jokes trying to make small talk. As we approach the register, this sweet young lady greeted us with a smile and grabbed for our item to scan. After picking it up, she paused for a minute, look puzzled, then kindly asked for my ID. My nephew was preoccupied doing God knows what & I was at the credit card machine all set to pay. I was trying to make it quick since I knew they were waiting on us to finish so they could go home. As I was getting ready to swipe my card, I heard her ask me for my ID. Although I was flatter, it caught me a little off guard so I unintentionally froze for a sec and did a double take. At first I thought she was joking thinking she was joking, but when I realize she wasn't, I scrambled to try to find it. Nevertheless, I handed it over while making a joke about being flattered- and I'm 43 so I usually don't get carded. After she gave it back to me, I proceeded to pay, but was intercepted by this cocky manager who proceeded to ask my nephew for his ID as well. He wasn't even near me, so it seemed a bit odd. Regardless, it wasn't an issue, he was 21...scatterbrained... but certainly of age . As he reached into his pocket, he realized he didn't have his wallet or anything on him since this was not a planned visit. Furthermore, he tends to lose things and lost about three drivers license because he refuses to carry a wallet and shoves them in his pockes which drives me crazy.?We both proceeded to explain ourselves stating I was 43 years old and he was in fact, 21, I personally did not care whether I purchased the item or not since I was only getting it because I thought it was a good price. However, once he found out my nephew did not have an ID on him, he gleefully, stood there all broad-chested lecturing me on store policy stating all parties are require to have an ID on their person as per store policy. Seeing all the young female cashiers were watching, he stood there, looking all authoritative as if he was Paul Blart mall cop and just busted the crime of a century. When I said that was fine and walked out of the store, he seemed to cop an attitude, I assume he was expecting an argument that would have made him look all the more important in front of his spectators. It was a little insulting and condescending, and really lacked professionalism even if that was the store's policy, this situation was not handled appropriately. I haven't been spoken down to like that by a manager at a liquor store for quitesome time. The last time was probably when actually was under age legitimately trying to wreak havoc. I wholeheartedly feel he would have never asked for my nephew's ID had he looked as Caucasian as me- but that is merely just my opinion. For the record, this incident occurred in the summer of 2024. Not sure why this app kept this as a draft and never posted it. I was contemplating on deleting it since it is done and over with, but figured I may as well post it in case anyone else has had a similar experience. read more