Carding...Was I wrong?

[SpyOne]

That's how my chain says to handle it: if you see money change hands, you need to see everybody's ID.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't sell you beer. I saw that young man outside hand money to you. Look, I know the cigarettes are for you, but my hands are tied: I saw them hand you money, and now I can't sell you any age-controlled substance until/uless I see their ID."

Actually, I kind of like this, as once it becomes well known, if the kids who hand around outside trying to get somebody to buy them smokes or booze try to approach a customer, the reaction they'll get is not a bemused grin or a shrug, but a "GET THE *%*& AWAY FROM ME! DON'T TALK TO ME! I WANNA BUY SOME BEER, AND YOU'RE JUST GOING TO #%&$ THAT UP FOR ME!"
Which is really what they deserve.

[Mordecai]

You were in the right. Whenever I go to buy cigarettes, I make sure to go alone and to have my id on me. It's not hard, people!

[Smart_Aussie12]

I don't know what the ruling is in the US/Canada, but in Australia, that would've been classed as a secondary purchase and is illegal. Even though not all of us are 18 yet, everyone at my work has been trained in ID, secondary purchasing etc. partially because we own three different brands of bottleshop and at work.
You did the right thing as far as the law goes by refusing the sale (pending state/national law), so don't stress out.

[Javarod]

Hmmm, I'd say you were within your rights. Mind you, in your shoes I would've carded them both, that way ifn they complain, you just say you card everyone, just don't get caught lying.

[NightRain]

Only been carded for smokes three times...

I've only been carded for smokes three times in my life.
And two have been since I moved to the southern hemisphere, within the last year.

The first time was in the UK, and I was asked if I was the legal age (16).
"No," replied I, "I'm 21, here's my ID" all in a happy tone, no fuss. But the look on the girl's face when I said no was priceless.

Since moving, I walked into the local store and chatted to the clerk, as I always do (so they do kind of know me) and after asking about a few things they had behind counter, I remembered being low, so I added "....and seeing as as they don't sell willpower in small boxes, can I get a pack of 20". Boom, silly comment equals ID asked for. Eh, serves me right for a daft comment I guess.

Last one was in a large-ish store. Me, shower fresh, clean shaven (for a change on a weekend. The shaving not the showering!) and I picked up some veggies for dinner and some smokes. The young lass behind the counter gives me a once over and cards me, calling a manager over to verify before I've even pulled the card.

The poor lass goes scarlet when I hand over my ID, and the manager tries not to laugh. I'm 30.

Still not sure how I feel about an 18 year old girl thinking I look younger than her though!