Ian Rose, of Leeds, wonders whether he is right to hold the notes that he is given as change in supermarkets to the light to check for forgeries.
What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. I see nothing rude in holding up notes given in a shop to inspect their honesty. I am too flustered at checkout to think of doing so. But to do so is a prudent policy worthy of a Wise Virgin. Do not let frowns of disapproval put you off your prudent course.
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Lee Dobney, the Bank of England: “The occasion is a financial transaction, not an exchange of gifts. Your reader is right to make sure notes are genuine before accepting them from anyone, anywhere, if he is in any doubt. If holding a banknote to the light seems too blatant, then he could instead check for features such as the fine printing and feel of the paper: www.bankofengland/banknotes/security/index.htm”
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J. Romaine-Barnard, Dunmow: “Common sense must prevail. If the diligent checkout operator is checking for false notes, what need has the customer?”
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Elizabeth Ambler, Exeter: “You may be in the right, but it is not pleasant. The staff are fulfilling their responsibilities; you are taking the mickey, and they cannot respond. Stop it. Something nasty might happen behind the trolley park one day.”
Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by September 16. A selection will be given in a fortnight.
I play golf with a friend at my club. I suspect that he is not entirely accurate about his score. How can I tell him politely to count all his strokes?
J. R. R., Basingstoke