Saw

[nailit]

No, not the horror movie franchise (as much as I love 'slasher' type films)
My son seems to have taken up woodwork. He used to work making garden furniture and has decided to make some stuff from home...both for pleasure and as a way of making a bit of coin for himself. Today he went into Wilkinsons to buy a new saw, got to the counter and they refused to serve him because he wasn't 25. I'm obviously aware of age restrictions on certain items but 25 to buy a saw seems a bit ridiculous. What if he was trying to go self employed as a joiner or something?
Is this right or just something that Wilcos do?
Thanks.

[Samuraisan]

Same son that hammered a nail through his hand ? Tell him to be careful !

[Cloverjo]

I think Wilco's have a bit heavy-handed. If he can prove he's over 18, he can buy the saw. The shop is meant to ask for proof of age if a person LOOKS under 25.

[nailit]

LOL, that's the one Sam (although it was actually shot through with a nail gun....he hasn't got one of his own yet thankfully...)

[Flonska]

This will give you information about restrictions and the challenge 21 and challenge 25 initiatives:-

https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/underage-sales/knives-and-other-bladed-items

Even if an item is not specifically included - some businesses tell their staff to apply a catch all policy. In such instances, speaking to a more a more senior member of staff may assist - especially if you are present.

[-Talbot-]

B&Q 2 for a tenner.

[nailit]

Clover, just asked my son again, exactly what happened. Apparently the assistant said something about the law has changed and you now have to be 25 to buy a saw. Seems a bit OTT to me if that's the case.

[nailit]

Flonska, thanks, will check out the links.

[nailit]

Talby, its not the price as such, its the fact that Wico's wouldn't serve him with one, wonder if B&Q would?

[-Talbot-]

Well they serve me and I look under 25

[Flonska]

Nailit . . . if the assistant at the store used the "aah . . . the law is changing / has changed" routine it may indicate a lack of proper knowldege/training - something that the organisation should be making sure is current! A quiet word with the manager/boss might help?

[nailit]

//Well they serve me and I look under 25//
LOL lucky you ;-)

[vulcan42]

I think they're confused over the word Blade. We talk about a knife blade and a saw blade but they're not the same. You could hardly stab someone with a saw.

[nailit]

Yes, just been reading through ur link Flonska. Does seem as though my son was fobbed off. He told them he was 22 but was never asked for any ID anyway so didn't proffer to show them any, just assumed that you had to be 25 as the till assistant said.

[ummmm]

It's stupid because you can buy them all on-line.

[nailit]

I agree Vulcan. A knife blade you could understand but as you say, your not going to stab someone with a saw.

[nailit]

That's a point ummm, probably be cheaper as well...