Sign at Lidl: Warning against snacking on cherries!

Sign at Lidl: Warning against snacking on cherries!

In a notable move, a Lidl store in Austria has put up a warning sign warning customers against illicit snacking, particularly cherries. They point out that any consumption of goods without payment will be reported, which many consider to be disproportionate. How Mercury reported, this does not seem to be just an isolated case, as similar illicit snacking in supermarkets is being discussed in discussion forums such as Reddit.

Some customers apparently left the cherry stones behind in the store, which indicates disrespectful handling of the goods. One user describes that he witnessed a woman unabashedly eating cashews from an open shell, while another user witnessed someone opening shower gel bottles and sniffing them. Such behavior not only causes resentment among store managers, but also raises questions about the moral responsibility of customers.

Legal consequences of snacking

But what happens if someone is caught stealing their mouth? According to an article by The law firm The accusation of mouth robbing should not be taken lightly. This is not a trivial offense and repeat offenders can face serious consequences. The public prosecutor's office is often not prepared to simply stop the proceedings.

Mouth robbery, i.e. the unlawful taking of small quantities of food and beverages, was punishable until the 1970s, but was abolished in 1975. Nowadays, snacking is classified as theft and can be punished with penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine. As well as Law Forum As it describes, ownership of the stolen items remains with the injured party, which constitutes the offense of theft. So if someone gets caught, it can very quickly result in serious legal consequences.

Discussion and solutions

In the discussion on Reddit, users suggest offering cherries in 100 gram bags to minimize the temptation to snack. This idea could certainly help reduce frustration among branches. Nevertheless, the fundamental question about the appropriateness of measures against snacking on cherries remains. Experts advise taking such situations seriously and seeking legal advice if necessary.

Whether this sign is viewed as a necessary warning or an excessive measure remains questionable. One thing is certain, however: If snacking on cherries leads to legal problems, it's high time to think about your own eating habits in the supermarket.