Mom says cashier scolded her for letting kid eat food in supermarket before paying: Who was right?

[carterscutie85]

I certainly don't want to touch something your kid has slobbered all over but even if they hadn't I don't care about people eating things before they pay for them, so long as it doesn't need to be weighed.

[Anonymous 1]

I agree. I always had snacks in the diaper bag if my kids needed a snack. But even my autistic kid knew the groceries weren't ours until they were paid for so he could no eat them until that time. What if you forget your card or there's a mistake and it gets declined?

Until the item is paid for it is still the property of the grocery store. Furthermore many grocery stores now offer either a free piece of fruit or a free cookie from the bakery for those that desire or need a "snack". There is simply no reason to open a package in the store before purchase. Now there may not be a law regarding it but I simply think it is bad manners and inconsiderate to open food products before paying for them.

[Pjmm]

Theoretically I think one should pay for their groceries first. But I don't always do that myself especially with drinks. If the cashier had an issue she could've said in the future can you please pay for the snacks first?

[EarlGrayHot]

Nope. Not yours to eat unless it's paid for. And no, I have never done that.

[Anonymous 2]

On the other hand, once it's paid for it IS yours, and I refuse to submit to having my groceries checked by a door attendant. If you think I stole something, call the police and good luck trying to prove it, but if not then I'm leaving, goodbye.

[Anonymous 3]

Seeing a person that has the worst bad manners of them all type that it is bad manners in this situation is hilarious and hypocritical!

Until the item is paid for it is still the property of the grocery store. Furthermore many grocery stores now offer either a free piece of fruit or a free cookie from the bakery for those that desire or need a "snack". There is simply no reason to open a package in the store before purchase. Now there may not be a law regarding it but I simply think it is bad manners and inconsiderate to open food products before paying for them.

[SouthernIslander]

Honestly, life happens. I’d rather a child not walk around the store hangry as long as the parent is able to pay for the product before they leave.

I have never had to do that with my steps or family but I it’s not something I judge people for.

[Baconqueen13]

Seeing a person that has the worst bad manners of them all type that it is bad manners in this situation is hilarious and hypocritical!

Until the item is paid for it is still the property of the grocery store. Furthermore many grocery stores now offer either a free piece of fruit or a free cookie from the bakery for those that desire or need a "snack". There is simply no reason to open a package in the store before purchase. Now there may not be a law regarding it but I simply think it is bad manners and inconsiderate to open food products before paying for them.

Get the f**k over it troll.

[Anonymous 4]

Seeing a person that has the worst bad manners of them all type that it is bad manners in this situation is hilarious and hypocritical!

Until the item is paid for it is still the property of the grocery store. Furthermore many grocery stores now offer either a free piece of fruit or a free cookie from the bakery for those that desire or need a "snack". There is simply no reason to open a package in the store before purchase. Now there may not be a law regarding it but I simply think it is bad manners and inconsiderate to open food products before paying for them.

Get the f**k over it troll.

She’s right. You’re probably not the right person to be giving advice on manners or being inconsiderate.

[Traci_Momof2]

On the other hand, once it's paid for it IS yours, and I refuse to submit to having my groceries checked by a door attendant. If you think I stole something, call the police and good luck trying to prove it, but if not then I'm leaving, goodbye.

I don't stop for the door attendant either. I'll smile and say "hi" to acknowledge their presence but I just keep on walking out the door. No one has ever tried to say anything to me or stop me, and I think it's because they know they can't. Like you said, I've paid, they're rightfully mine, I have no further obligation.
There are other more effective ways for stores to reduce theft if that's what their goal is.