A 94-year-old woman who came through the Second World War was was told she couldn’t buy bread from Birds bakery because she didn’t have a bank card. Edna Dalchin has never owned a bank card and prefers being paid in cash. According to reports she was left shocked and embarrassed by the affair.
Mrs Dalchin said she has used cash for all her shops during the coronavirus pandemic at stores including at Tesco and Morrisons.
A manager at one local Nottinghamshire branch of the Birds in Arnold explained they are currently not accepting cash for hygiene reasons and they want to minimise any risk to staff and customers.
Nottinghamshire Live reported: “I went into Birds because I wanted a loaf of bread and some potted meat. She said to me ‘have you got a card?’
“I did not know what she was on about. I said ‘Oh I have never used a card in my life. I always pay the old fashioned way, which is how I was brought up.
“I felt like I was being treated like a small child and being talked down too.
“None of the other shops have ever refused my money.
“There is a virus, I understand that, but a lot of elderly people do not use cards and are not into that technology.”
Mrs Dalchin said she usually gets her money from the Post Office each week, which allows her to pay for her essentials including food.
Mrs Kirk, who is good friends with Edna, added: “I went into Arnold last Wednesday and went into Birds for a couple of pork pies. It was £2.50. I was told ‘you have to use your card.’
“The only time I use it is with my big shops in Morrisons to last me all week. I have never known a shop to ask for your card.
“Edna is an elderly lady and to treat her like that is just disgusting. She had to leave it and come out of the shop.”
Michelle Kirk is angry that Birds Bakery are denying elderly people essential items because they don’t have a bank card
Her granddaughter Michelle Kirk, 39, of Long Eaton, added: “Elderly people are going to struggle unless someone gets it for them.
“Cash is a legal tender. I understand that card is preferred but if that method is not available you should be able to take cash.
“I feel they need to revert this stupid policy.
“Most of Birds customers will be over the age of 60 I should imagine. It is humiliating having to put stuff back. It’s like you can’t afford it.”
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