It’s Beer O’clock Somewhere, But Not Here

In late 2000, the first half of 2001, I worked overnights at a grocery store chain. In Iowa at the time, alcohol sales were cut off at 2 AM. That was my last retail job, so I don’t know what the laws are now.

Two men walk up to my register with a six-pack of beer around 1:40 AM. The tall guy tells me:

Tall Customer: “I’m too drunk to write the check, so my friend will write it out and I’ll sign it.”

Me: “I’m refusing to sell you the beer. If you’re too drunk to write a check, I’m not selling you alcohol.”

We had some discussion about it for a couple of minutes, then I asked my CSM (customer service manager) to come over. I explained the situation. He backed me up, then left.

Shorter Customer: “I owe my friend the money the beer will cost, so I’ll write the check out and he’ll sign it.”

Me: “I’m not selling you beer.”

They finally left.

I think they had about ten minutes to try to find a place to sell them beer.