Mum slammed as a ‘Karen’ for shaming non-alcoholic bottle shop

A mum has been slammed as a ‘Karen’ for shaming an alcohol-free bottle shop for offering her 15-year-old daughter samples.

The Sydney mum feared the alcohol-free versions of wine, beer and spirits being offered to her teenager would give her a craving for the stronger stuff – but she was in the minority with her opinion.

‘I love that there is a non-alcoholic bottle shop at the mall,’ she began.

Alcohol-free options have become so popular that bars and bottle shops like this one have stared to spring up in major cities catering to those who are health conscious and looking to ditch the booze

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‘(But) it doesn’t sit well with me that kids can go in there and buy beer and champagne, even of it is alcohol free,’ she said.

The post, which has since been deleted, created a stir with dozens of people slamming the mum as a ‘Karen’.

‘It isn’t alcoholic, there is no need for it to be 18,’ one woman said.

‘My 15-year-old son likes ginger beer, does that mean he will become an alcoholic?’ asked another.

‘I have no problem with this, Karen,’ added a third. ‘It’s better than drinking which many at that age are doing illegally…and regularly.’

Others said she shouldn’t slam small businesses online – especially those that had done nothing wrong and legally within their rights to serve those of any age.

Alcohol-free distilleries serving fancy cocktails have also become increasingly popular as many people look to ditch alcohol 

‘I am pretty sure Woolworths and Coles sell non-alcoholic beer and champagne. In a standard aisle, it is accessible at any age and not alcohol,’ added another.

But some agreed with the mum and said while it isn’t a legal necessity both Woolworths and Dan Murphy’s keep an eye on alcohol-free beverage purchases.

‘In my experience whilst it is sold in the same aisle as soft drink if you are going through a self-serve checkout it needs to be approved by an attendant,’ one woman said.

She added that when she buys the non-alcoholic wine from the supermarket online there is an 18+ popup.

Some refused to pick a side and said it is a situation for ‘house rules’.

The mother was furious when she found out her daughter had sampled the drinks (stock image) 

‘This is a discussion you should have with your child if you are not comfortable, nothing to do with the outlet,’ one man said.

‘You do you as far as house rules and leave others to sort their bits out,’ added another.

One woman told the ‘Karen’ to head to the store and chat to the owner, as the business is new, and she would be able to use the feedback.