Hidden supermarket habit we all love is totally illegal, expert warns

10 January 2024 , 12:37

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Many people have a habit of snacking in supermarkets while they shop (Image: HullLive)

You may be breaking a law in supermarkets without even realising.

Have you ever been hungry while picking out food shop items? Many of us will have seen people picking up a snack or drink to keep them fuelled around the supermarket. But, this habit may be one you need to shift in 2024.

Money-saving expert Richard Price, and owner of online supermarket BritSuperstore, is warning shoppers that grazing while shopping is actually against the law. It comes after hundreds confessed that they "do it all the time" and enjoy "a little nibble" before they head to the till.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, one individual said: "I do it all the time with drinks and some food staff aren't bothered either way." "Yes, I have done it loads of times; sometimes you just need it right now," said another.

"When you have kids, most of the time they want it before it's paid for," pointed out one parent. Another commented: "If am hungry while in the shops I will have a little nibble and pay at till saves me buying everything in the shop because I am hungry."

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"I need to drink often and if I forget my water I get one from supermarket and put it through the tills," another shopper confessed. "It's how I keep my child happy while doing the shopping," a mum said.

Last week a mum was left upset after she ended up in an argument with a Tesco cashier after letting her son eat yoghurts before they had paid for them.

Supermarket expert Richard Price said that while customers may think snacking around supermarket aisles may seem harmless, it is technically an offence. It could leave customers facing up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Richard explained: "It is technically illegal to snack before purchasing, under Section 6 of the Theft Act 1968. This is because the legal ownership of supermarket products is only transferred to you upon completing the transaction at the till.

"Only when you have successfully purchased the goods do you have the legal right to use them as you please. However, if you consume food from the supermarket before buying, you are permanently depriving the owner of their rights to the product."

He added: "Even if you have the honest intent of buying the goods, as consuming the product before purchasing falls under the Theft Act, you can be penalised with seven years of imprisonment or an unlimited fine. With that in mind, it is best to feed your cravings before or after you visit the store to avoid some dire consequences for seemingly harmless offences.

"If you are bringing children, who suddenly become irritable because they're hungry, make sure you pack some small snacks and a drink to keep them content. Giving your child a snack from the supermarket before purchasing will also have consequences."

One individual who agrees who supports the stance said: "Don't think it should be allowed I've witnessed kids drop crisps biscuits choc and juice all over floor it's a hazard as some parents don't clean it up in saying that adults frequently leave their empty cups and eaten wrappers on shop shelves and floor. What happened to respect?"

"I work in retail - you're not supposed to but loads of people do, even we can't do it and we work there," said one supermarket worker.

Have you been guilty of snacking around the supermarket? Comment below.