HEB - Ginger Beer (for sale, coupon, buying)

[Azure110]

Today, I tried buying ginger beer at Alon HEB and was told that they won't sell this on sunday morning. This is an non-alcoholic drink very much like root beer. I tried to explain this to the cashier but she wouldn't bulge. She wouldn't even get a manager for me saying no matter what, they can't sell it on Sunday morning.

Does the law banning sale of alcohol on Sunday morning really include non-alcoholic items such as non-alcoholic ginger beer? The ginger beer was located near the tonic water by the wine section, but I don't see how this makes a difference.

[CapitalEmm]

I wouldn't think the law would apply, I've been able to buy ginger beer from HEB and not even get ID'd. I'm curious to hear from somebody else who would know the exact answer to this as well.

[SabresFanInSA]

I have a feeling the cashiers are taught to be broken records over beer sales on Sunday so when something comes up that they THINK fits the bill they just go into robot mode.

Either way, it's a stupid law - as I am sitting here watching the clock so I can make a beer run.

[ged_782]

Some "non-alcoholic" beers actually do have a small amount of alcohol. I think it has to be less than .5% to be eligible for sale on Sunday before noon, but I'm not positive.

It might be just because it says "beer" on the label, or it may be a case where the store finds it easier to prohibit the sale of all products obtained from alcoholic beverage distributors, rather than risk getting fined for selling an item they really aren't supposed to.

[Rustybolt]

Just an uninformed cashier. Part of the dismal tide of ignorance. Had a similar experience trying to use a coupon for "fresh meat" at an HEB and the cashier insisted that the tenderized steak from their meat department didn't qualify as fresh.

[Bo]

I wonder why HEB can't just program their cash registers to NOT ring up forbidden items during the hours those products can't be sold? Te register already alerts them to check ID and enter the birth date on alcohol purchases.

[SabresFanInSA]

Originally Posted by Bo

I wonder why HEB can't just program their cash registers to NOT ring up forbidden items during the hours those products can't be sold? Te register already alerts them to check ID and enter the birth date on alcohol purchases.

It does. Not only that but if they start a transaction at say 11:58 but dont get to the alcohol until say 12:01 it wont let them complete the sale because even though the alcohol was rung up after 12 the transaction started before 12. I saw it happen once to a guy in front of me and that was the explanation they gave him. They had to void the whole thing and do it again since it was now after 12

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by Bo

I wonder why HEB can't just program their cash registers to NOT ring up forbidden items during the hours those products can't be sold? Te register already alerts them to check ID and enter the birth date on alcohol purchases.

The ginger beer was flagged in the cash register (sorry I forgot to mention that in my earlier post) but packaging says "non-alcoholic". I usually buy a different brand with no problem but I guess this particular brand has a small amount despite the packaging label as ged_782 pointed out or HEB is being extra cautious. I understand the cashier was just doing her job.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I don't drink alcohol but I like ginger beer from time to time. Next time I will just buy it after 12 if I am shopping on Sunday. Stupid law.

[chud]

Originally Posted by Azure110

Next time I will just buy it after 12 if I am shopping on Sunday. Stupid law.

Agreed. I love the state of Texas (have lived here all my life), but our alcohol laws are completely stupid.

(Begin rant)

I would challenge anyone to give me a good reason why you shouldn't be able to buy beer on Sunday before 12 noon, or why we shouldn't be able to buy liquor in the grocery store just like beer & wine, as they do in New Mexico and California (as opposed to having to go to a liquor store, which only stays open til 9 pm).

Every year on Super Bowl Sunday I am reminded of how stupid our laws are when I am trying to stock up on food and drinks for incoming guests, and our antiquated laws keep me from making a simple purchase.

(Sorry, rant over)

[Soviet]

I'm gonna go here on Sunday & buy ginger beer & root beer simultaneously & see what happens.