Aldi's Self-Service Checkout Ban: The Real Reason You Can't Use Card-Only Lanes

Supermarket giant Aldi has lifted the lid on its controversial self-service checkout policy that's leaving some shoppers scratching their heads. The discount retailer has confirmed why certain customers find themselves unable to use the convenient card-only lanes.

The Card-Only Conundrum

While many shoppers breeze through Aldi's self-service tills with their contactless payments, others are being directed to traditional staffed checkouts. The reason? Age verification requirements for restricted purchases.

Aldi spokesperson explained: "We ask that customers who are purchasing age-restricted items, such as alcohol, use staffed checkouts. This is to ensure we remain compliant with retailing standards and that age verification checks can be carried out smoothly."

What Counts as Age-Restricted?

Alcohol of any kind
Energy drinks containing high caffeine
Certain medicines and pharmaceuticals
Knives and sharp objects
Solvents and other restricted substances

Why Self-Service Tills Can't Verify Age

Unlike staffed checkouts where trained employees can quickly assess identification, self-service machines lack the capability to make judgment calls about a customer's age. Even if you're clearly over 25, the system requires all age-restricted purchases to go through human verification.

"It's about responsibility, not inconvenience," the Aldi representative emphasised. "We take our legal obligations seriously when it comes to selling age-restricted products."

Shopper Reactions Mixed

The policy has generated mixed responses from customers. Some appreciate the retailer's commitment to responsible selling, while others find the process frustrating when they're only buying one restricted item among a full shop.

One shopper commented: "I understand why they do it, but when you've got a trolley full of shopping and one bottle of wine, it does feel like a hassle to queue twice."