Shoplifting

See the problem with that, even though technically it isn't stealing, is that any store personel have no idea whether you intend on paying for it, so any store you would go to would probably consider that to be shoplifting

A couple of times when I wasn't properly prepared to take a puppy in a store, I have suddenly grabbed a roll of paper towels and opened them. I carefully saved the bar code for the checkout and had no problems. There is also the matter of explaining the bag with the dog's stools in it as you leave.

With our criminal favoring justice system, as long as you don't leave without paying for it, I think you are safe. Still if you are that thirsty, you might do better to park your cart, and step out to the vending area frequently at the entrance. And it is possible to work you way into real problems, one small step at a time.

Nothing to worry about, it isn't shoplifting, or evil to do it, if you then pay for it afterwards, think of it as getting your gas, then paying for it. Which I do all the time....., the main point here is, if you do pay for it, nothing wrong done.

Thanks all for your responses. To share a little bit of background, I work part-time as a cashier in a local conveinience store. Quite often, customers will arrive at my register and hand me an empty or partially empty drink bottle or food container, having obviously already consumed some or all of it before paying for it. Of course, I then just scan the bar code in the usual manner, collect their money and hand them their change and everyone goes on their merry way with no real harm done. I have often wondered if it's technically legal to do that or if they are in fact guilty of shoplifting by consuming product that hasn't yet been paid for. Actual shoplifting doesn't happen very often in my store, but it is a concern and, in my opinion, customres who habitually consume things before paying come dangerously close to crossing the line. Any futher thoughts on this? Please share them with me. I'd especially like to hear from someone with formal legal knowledge, such as a police officer, attorney or judge. Thanks.

I think the most reliable guidance for you will come from your supervisor or the owner. If you are the owner, any association you are a part of or the chamber of comerce may have a suggested policy. Owners walk a fine line between being ripped off or sued.

Hi,
Why not do the obvious when you are in a store?
Don't do it !
Don't drink a pop you haven't yet paid for, or bottle water, or eat anything you haven't yet paid for.
Do as employees of the store do; pay for it, get a receipt, then drink or eat it, keeping the receipt in your pocket.
Is this common sense or what? If the store really wants to be picky, they could cause you trouble while you are doing it.
Technically, you have not "shoplifted" until you have walked passed the cash registers, on your way out of the store.
But, why take a chance? Got money for a lawyer?
Best wishes,
Fredg

Is this towards ( s_cianci ) who runs the place, or the people whom go into the store and do this sort of thing, it really isn't " stealing " but if your uncomfortable, state it out front on the door, on the machines, cashregister, etc. I mean I know the store I go to almost every day, states a no shirt, no shoes, no service right out front..... And a pay before you pump sign.... But like I said, they know me, unlike some stranger who walks in, so rules stated right out into the opening, good rule of thumb to do so.

Others gave you advice on your initial question. I will touch on things they haven't said to you.

If you drink it and forget to pay, then it can be viewed as a dishonest act. If you drink it often enough, "forgetting" to pay will eventually happen. I just hope that you don't get caught when that happens. Despite your honest intention, you can get into a legal trouble.

I realise you are in a different country, and of course laws would vary, but common sense can dictate this one. Until you have left the store, or passed the point at which you are understood to pay for the item, it cannot be said that you have, or established if you intent to in fact steal this item. Its simply logical. If the person discards the items wrapper in the store, it could be argued that you did not intend to pay for the item, but until you pass the register, and in some cases even leave the premisis, it could not be considered a theft.