Lidl warns: snacking on cherries will be reported!

Lidl warns: snacking on cherries will be reported!

A notice in a Lidl store in Austria is causing a stir. Customers who blithely snack on cherries have crossed the line of what is permitted, which is why the store is now setting clear rules. The notice warns customers: "Any consumption of goods without paying will be reported. Especially cherries!" This measure provides an exciting insight into the legal framework of “mouth robbery” and behavior in supermarkets.

The problem is not new and is being actively discussed on platforms like Reddit. More and more users are reporting their experiences with snacking in stores, not just with cherries, but also with other foods, such as cashews. In addition to eating them without paying, some customers even leave the kernels in the market as an uninvited legacy. The discussion about appropriate behavior in supermarkets and possible solutions is becoming louder - from marketing measures to pre-packaged cherries as a possible solution.

The legal background of Mundraub

But what exactly is mouth robbery? Until the 1970s, snacking in the supermarket was not unpunished; it was considered theft of consumables. However, this regulation was abolished in 1975 and since then, robbery has been considered a theft, which can be punished according to Section 242 of the Criminal Code. In the worst case scenario, anyone who gets caught snacking on fruit will face a sentence of up to five years - at least if it is a relevant case.

The legal assessment of mouth robbery is clear: taking food, be it an apple from a neighbor's tree or unauthorized sampling of fruit in the supermarket, can definitely be considered theft. Therefore, even a colorful cherry smile cannot hide the legal consequences. In Germany, reports the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection, snacking on unpackaged fruit is not permitted and is considered theft.

The gray area in grocery shopping

However, there is an interesting exception for packaged goods: if the empty packaging is presented at the checkout, you could potentially get away with it. But what about civil law consequences? There is a risk of claims for damages if the owner of the food consumed insists on this. The myth of “mouth robbery”, which continues to exist among the population, could cause many more legal difficulties than previously assumed.

Overall, the discussion about the Lidl notice shows that the handling of food in supermarkets can not only give rise to petty disputes, but can also have serious legal consequences. One thing is certain: If you think about treating yourself to a cherry the next time you go shopping, you should think carefully about whether it's worth the risk. A healthy amount of self-discipline might not hurt in the future.