Melanie’s Daily Words

To answer your question, yes I’m going to card you. That’s probably the stupidest question I’ve ever heard. The remainder of this post is the blog I submitted for my class that prompted me to start writing this thing to begin with.

You Have To Get Your Money Out Anyway…

I was at work today, and a girl whom I have carded many times came in to buy cigarettes. She has given me trouble in the past when I have carded her, and I didn’t feel like dealing with that today. So I didn’t card her. I know she’s 18; I’ve seen her ID before. But I was so angry with myself after I sold her the cigarettes. I broke the law. But what made me feel worse was that I let her have power over me; I let the potential of a minor confrontation take the reins.

I have never felt so threatened by a group of people ever before. When I’m trying to decide whether or not to card someone who I know I’ve sold tobacco products to before, I weigh the possibility that they could either throw a fit or something at my head. My heart starts pumping harder, and my palms get sweaty. I think I would be less nervous if a man came in with a mask over his head and pointed a gun at me. At least I would have a better idea of the outcome if I didn’t do what he asked. I feel like I’m getting in the middle of people and their addictions, and that can become a dangerous situation. I have to tell myself that I didn’t initiate their addiction, so it’s their problem if they can’t handle what comes along with feeding it.

State law requires that people under 27 must show their ID when purchasing tobacco products. In addition, there is a sign on the door (as well as one right next to the shelf of blunts) that reads “We card under 18. Have your ID ready.” So, with all this preparation, why do people assume they won’t be carded?

One of the most popular retorts when I ask to see someone’s ID is, “We’re in college; everyone here is 18.” However, that statement is not completely true. I have carded people who haven’t turned 18 until well into their first semester, and there are also high school students who take classes on campus. However, that’s beside the point. My employer could be fined and I could lose my job if I don’t card everyone who looks under 27.

Some people have a really hard time with being carded. I have had customers who don’t have their IDs on them walk out angrily without their other purchases, those who try to guilt me into giving them cigarettes anyway, (“Do I really have to walk all the way back to West Campus?”), those on the verge of tears, those who claim I sold them cigarettes yesterday, when I didn’t work yesterday, and I’ve been cussed out. All of these reactions take me aback every time. You chose to start smoking. Take responsibility for that choice. Have your ID ready, or the least you can do is not whine and cry when I ask to see it. And it’s not just the first time, either. You have to show me your ID every time you buy tobacco. I don’t care how many times a week (and in some cases, a day) you come into the store to buy tobacco products. We are not “friends” and I do not remember how old you are.

The guy who both cussed me out and left without his stash of energy drinks now acts like we’re best friends. He invited me to a party he was throwing, and smiled at me when we passed each other in the library. But it wasn’t the “Hey, I know you!” kind of smile. It was a “You remember me forever!” kind of smile. And I will remember him forever. That guy who would stock up on Parliament Lights and Redbull and pay with his Nursing Student ID card. That guy who left his ID at Murph’s so he could play pool instead of bringing it when he came to buy cigarettes that fateful night.

All in all, I’m just tired of people giving me excuses. I’m tired of giving in because I know that there’s a chance someone might give me a little attitude. Maybe that means I need to grow a backbone. Or maybe it means people should come prepared and take responsibility for their lifestyle choices. I’m going to card you. It’s not my decision to make.