I'M a bit younger than Jack Archer - not 80 until next year - but have often been asked if I was old enough to by alcohol in Morrisons, Sainsbury and elsewhere (Prove your age, The Press, January 24).

However, this has usually been in a jokingly "I have to ask" manner.

More irritating, particularly for anyone queueing behind me, is having to wait for the assistant to find a senior staff member because she is too young to be allowed to sell it to me.

David J Brown, Front Street, Acomb, York.

l I WAS appalled to read how Jack Archer was asked whether he was over 18 when he was buying a bottle of sherry from a York supermarket.

I believe it is disrespectful and offensive to the elderly that this kind of question has to be asked, and was asked in Mr Archer's case. I think that it would be a good idea for shops to use a bit of common sense when they are thinking up their policies. At least this wouldn't lead to the elderly being disrespected.

I understand and totally agree that shops should make it their policy to ask young people whether they are over 18 when they are attempting to buy alcohol. But certainly not to ask the elderly such questions.

A J Porter (aged 14), Church Lane, Wheldrake, York.