Where can you buy syrup of ipecac in the uk?

Why do you have to be 18 to buy grenadine syrup in the UK?

• Wtf? It's non alcoholic - it's just sugar and water? :L I went to Tesco the other day with a few friends (lm 17 by the way) and we took the grenadine syrup up to the counter thinking we could buy it because it has no restrictions... The woman asked for ID and I was like what? I'm only 17... And she was like "You have to be 18 to buy this product" I've checked and there is no alcohol content what so ever. So why? I thought maybe because you have the intention of using it with alcohol? Does anyone understand this law? It says clearly on the back can be used in coffees, mocktails and other soft drinks so why? Thanks.

• Answer:

  Hi, If the Grenadine you bought was a brand name,( Bols, Roses, etc...) then I agree you should not be asked for ID, as they have no alcohol in them. However, as it came from the BWS department of that store, the till will recognise it as part of that department, and the check-out operator will have to ask for ID otherwise he/she can get into serious trouble. Stupid, I know, but that is how the tills are set up, as the info comes from the head office. It is the same for non-alcoholic lager. What you can do is get in touch with the head office, explain the problem to them, and they may be able to do something about it. Otherwise you can make your own version, there are plenty of recipes on the net. NB. There is an alcoholic version of grenadine available. Hope this helps.