To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to make a formal letter of complaint. Yesterday I went to buy a bottle of wine (Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon) at Waitrose at the Goldsworth Park Centre in Woking and was asked for ID.

I proceeded to show the staff member my Australian driver’s license but was told that they do not accept that form of identification. A staff member said Waitrose only take British drivers’ licenses, which is something I do not own. I was told I would then have to prove my age by producing my passport.

I found this both impractical and unreasonable. Firstly, due to the fact that I live in central London, I do not plan to own a car whilst living in the UK and therefore will never apply for a UK driver’s license. Secondly, I do not want to carry around my passport as if it is stolen or lost it will be both expensive and a hassle to replace. Thirdly, I was humiliated and embarrassed at the shop register as those waiting behind me may have assumed I was under age and therefore acting out against the law.

I am 22 years of age and never before have I been refused alcohol on the basis that my driver’s license is Australian and I find your policy not only unacceptable but ridiculous seeing as Australia is part of the Commonwealth.

Not only did this implement a problem into my Sunday afternoon, but my friend had to then go out of her way to drive me to an off-license where my ID was accepted.

Perhaps Waitrose should spend more time confiscating liquor off wealthy 64-year-old alcoholics rather than discriminating against someone because they come from a different country.

No wonder tourists think the British are a bunch of grumps when those visiting the UK can’t even by a bottle of wine whilst on holiday!

Regards,