Mum slammed as a ‘Karen’ for shaming non-alcoholic bottle shop

Australia
By William

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Mom slammed as a ‘Karen’ for shaming a non-alcoholic bottle shop for letting her 15-year-old daughter sample products

  • A mother has been labeled as Karen after complaining about non-alcoholic bottles.
  • The woman claimed that her 15-year-old daughter was given samples
  • But people said it’s alcohol free so they don’t know why she was so upset.

By Belinda Cleary for Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A mother has been slammed as a ‘Karen’ for shaming a non-alcoholic bottle shop for giving her 15-year-old daughter access to samples.

The Australian mother feared that the non-alcoholic versions of wine, beer and spirits her teenage son had access to would give him a craving for stronger things, but her opinion was in the minority.

“I love that there’s a non-alcoholic bottle shop,” he began.

“(But) it doesn’t sit well with me that kids can go in there and buy beer and champagne, even non-alcoholic,” he said.

The post, which has since been deleted, created quite a stir with dozens of people criticizing the mother as a ‘Karen’.

“He’s not an alcoholic, he doesn’t have to be 18,” said one woman.

The Australian mother feared that the non-alcoholic versions of wine, beer and spirits her teenage son had access to would give him a craving for stronger things, but she was in the minority.

The Australian mother feared that the non-alcoholic versions of wine, beer and spirits her teenage son had access to would give him a craving for stronger things, but she was in the minority.

‘My 15-year-old son likes ginger beer, does that mean he’ll become an alcoholic?’ asked another.

“I have no problem with this Karen,” added a third. “It’s better than drinking what many at that age are doing illegally… and regularly.”

Others said she shouldn’t criticize small businesses online, especially those that had done nothing wrong and were legally entitled to have those of any age in store.

I’m pretty sure Woolworths and Coles sell non-alcoholic beer and champagne. In a standard hallway, it’s accessible to any age and not to alcohol,’ added another.

Survey

Do you think kids should be able to buy non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits?

  • Yes, it is alcohol free. 7 votes
  • No, it’s a gateway. 2 votes
  • Once they’re old enough, like 16. 0 votes

But some agreed with the mother, saying that while it’s not a legal necessity, both Woolworths and Dan Murphy keep an eye on non-alcoholic beverage purchases.

“In my experience, even though it’s sold in the same aisle as soft drinks, if you go through a self-service checkout, you have to be approved by an attendant,” said one woman.

He added that when you buy the non-alcoholic wine from the online supermarket, an 18+ pop-up appears.

Some refused to pick a side, saying it’s a ‘house rules’ situation.

Mock distilleries serving up fancy cocktails have also become increasingly popular as many people seek to rid themselves of alcohol.

Mock distilleries serving up fancy cocktails have also become increasingly popular as many people seek to rid themselves of alcohol.

Is it legal to serve beer, wine and non-alcoholic spirits to children under 18?

It is not illegal; however, some store owners may have their own rules in this regard and may refuse to sell to minors.

However, each state has different regulations.

NEW SOUTH WALES

It is recognized that current legislation may impose barriers to the sale of products such as non-alcoholic beer by unlicensed premises.

As such, liquor and games NSW will take a flexible and risk-based approach to enforcing alcoholic beverage laws surrounding the sale and supply of these products. It is unlikely that regulatory action will be taken with respect to their promotion and sale in unlicensed environments, where they do not contain more than the 1.15% ABV threshold considered “liquor” under the Liquor Act of 2007. However, Liquor & Gaming NSW will continue to respond to community complaints and may take action in exceptional circumstances, including where any business acts irresponsibly in promoting or selling them.

These products should never be promoted in a way that could be considered to have special appeal to minors or pose a significant risk to public safety and the well-being of the community.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The products are alcohol-free so anyone under the age of 18 can enjoy them anywhere in the Northern Territory.

QUEENSLAND

The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation does not regulate the service of non-alcoholic beverages.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

It does not recognize the drinks under its liquor laws, therefore they can be enjoyed by minors.

TASMANIA

Minors can drink non-alcoholic drinks, however, they are not allowed to be in authorized places, except to eat, under the supervision of an adult.

VICTORY

Minors may consume non-alcoholic beverages; however, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult anywhere that sells alcohol.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A person under the age of 18 (a minor) may be permitted to purchase beer, wine, and non-alcoholic spirits at a bar (such as a hotel, tavern, or small bar) if their presence on the licensed premises is legal, for example, there to eat or accompanied by a responsible adult.

“This is a discussion to have with your son if he’s not comfortable, nothing to do with going out,” said one man.

“You abide by the house rules and let others figure out their parts,” added another.

A woman told ‘Karen’ to go to the store and speak to the owner as the business is new and she could use the feedback.

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