Observation 4

This week I went to Reno, NV for my summer job. For my summer job I do something called " Bar Checks". This means that I go into restruants, bars, casinos, and convience stores and do compliance checks by pretending to buy tobacco or alcohol and see if they card me or check for ID. This ensures that the business I am going to or establishment is not selling anything illegal to customers ( like a pretend or fake sting operation).

This week I have visited over 70 locations including convenience stores and mostly grocery stores. When making observations in convience stores, I noticed for one of the clerks working at convenience store where I tried to buy cigarettes was very friendly and smiling. As I entered the store I noticed she politely greeted me and said, " Hello!". When I approached the counter to buy the cigarettes she was still smiling and said, "What can I get you?". I kindly said, " Can I have a pack of Newport shorts, green pack?" I noticed her mood changed from friendly and helpful to concerned, suspicious, and still a little helpful. As she turned to get the cigarettes and scanned them she asked, " Can I see some ID?". I replied, "Sure!". Afterwards I told the clerk, I would like to cancel that, I'm with the BARS Programs and you passed. She looked stunned and at the same time confused. After I told her what it was she was excited that she did the right thing. I also notice when I wait in line at the convenience stores most people have a different social norms.

For example when waiting in line most of the people I have noticed don't have a concept of personal space. I have also noticed that when going to the convenience stores the clerks are from different cultures, ages, and have different ethnicities. I noticed this makes a big difference in the clerks reaction and whether the clerks are mad when I tell them they passed or they say please and thank you. Most of the interactions and observations I have noticed between the me and the clerks have varied from place to place but are pretty similar thoughout each place I try/ pretend to buy or purchase something that is age sensitive.