The world really has gone mad this time...

Okay I admit, given my previous supermarket based experience, namely the whole toothbrush escapade, I should probably not be surprised. But I am, in fact I'm shocked, at the increasing number of random rules and regulations that seem to be creeping into everyday life. This afternoon I walked into my local supermarket to buy some fish. Don't worry, nothing happened with the fish. I was in the checkout queue, waiting to be served, when I realised that the woman in front of me was having a bit of a problem. The checkout operator (or whatever they are called) was refusing to scan 4 of her items, because, and I quote "it's against the rules". My first thought was what kind of supermarket bans people from buying things they sell? Then I looked at the offending items; Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and two boxes of Lemsip. Evidently the poor woman is ill, thought I. Evidently, this poor woman wants to kill herself, thought the checkout person. Apparently it is forbidden to buy more than two items containing paracetamol at any one time, because apparently Death by Lemsip is becoming all the rage. Now, even though this had nothing to do with me, I felt it appropriate to contribute (why oh why do I do it?). Sooooo, I helpfully suggested that the woman swap the ibuprofen and Lemsip for a couple of bottles of Whisky and a pack of razor blades. I laughed, the woman laughed. The checkout operator, evidently somewhat flustered, replied, "Yes but only if you're over 18." So I explained that yes, I am well over 18, and that actually it was a mere attempt at humour in light of a ridiculous situation. She didn't get it, and asked what kind of razor blades I wanted. So I explained that it was stupid that you couldn't buy Lemsip and paracetamol at the same time for fear of suicide, yet you could buy as much Whisky as you wanted, or even a butchers knife set if so inclined.
She still didn't really get my point. "But these are more dangerous if abused" she said. Now, I could have continued, but unlike the Americans I recognise a losing battle when I see one. So I bought the woman's Lemsip for her, much to the checkout operator's bemusement, "But you're not even ill!"

Next time I will just shop online I think.

Bye