Tesco shoppers have been warned over a little-known Clubcard rule that means under 18s cannot benefit from its deals.
The supermarket chain's loyalty scheme, which is said to boast around 20 million members, provides its members with exclusive deals and discounts on their shopping. However, it looks like these deals are not available to a certain age group.
It comes after one furious mum recently took to Facebook to complain that her 16-year-old daughter was forced to pay full price for her meal deal, despite using a Clubcard. The popular lunch deal is priced at £3.40 for cardholders, while regular shoppers still need to pay the full £3.90.
She fumed: "I think it's absolutely disgusting that a 16 year old can not use a Clubcard at Tesco, she went in to buy her sandwich for dinner, and you need a Clubcard for the meal deal and they wouldn't allow her to use it, so she had to pay full price, it's a Clubcard for christ sake not alcohol. The world's gone crazy. Tesco."
However, retail expert Nick Drewe from Wethrift has advised that the terms and conditions on the Clubcard section of Tesco's website confirms that members of the scheme must be aged 18 or over.
He said: "It will no doubt be shocking to learn that a 16-year-old simply trying to save some money on her lunch can be refused the use of a Tesco Clubcard, particularly during the current cost of living crisis, where shoppers are doing everything they can to cut down on their spending and outgoings.
"However, a quick look at the terms and conditions on the Clubcard section of the Tesco website does indeed confirm that in order to become a member of the scheme, one must be a resident of the UK, and aged 18 or over. Taking into account that someone may be living by themselves, or even have their own children at this age, this rule does seem fairly unusual."
The expert went on to explain that it did not state on the same section that those under the age of 18 could not use their parent's or guardians Clubcard to benefit from the deals. He added that, while the Tesco employee "technically acted accordingly", it "will understandably seem somewhat ridiculous" to not allow the 16 year old to benefit from the Clubcard deals - despite being old enough to be employed with the supermarket.
He added: "Realistically, the vast majority of Tesco customers - no matter their age - will be able to pass through the check-outs and self-scanners and make use of Clubcard deals on a daily basis without any issues or age questioning. However, the fact that those who are statistically among the most likely to be struggling in the financial climate, risk being refused the chance to save money on essential grocery items by Tesco, is something that we believe should be looked into."
The Daily Record has contacted Tesco for comment.
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