‘You’re not allowed to touch it’: Jake and Spike scoff at Safeway’s new alcohol policy

There is a new shopping policy at Safeway that limits shoppers’ ability to grab alcoholic beverages. Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, relived his experience struggling to purchase a bottle of tequila.

Safeway’s new alcohol policy

“I’ve gotten used to the fact that alcohol is all behind the glass now, so I hit the button and I wait, and wait,” Jake said. “Finally, someone comes and I say, ‘Let me take a look at that to make sure it’s the one I want.’ She won’t let me. I’m not allowed to touch the bottle.”

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” believed the policy ruined companies’ marketing techniques.

“They spend a lot of marketing and money, and research in the shape of that bottle of feel in your hand. They want the buying experience to be visceral,” Spike said.

Jake continued on about his stressful shopping experience.

“I reach out to take it, and she says, ‘No, you can’t touch it,'” Jake said. “I said, ‘What? I’m buying it, ‘ and she said, ‘You’re not allowed to touch it. It’s a new rule, so you don’t steal it.'”

Spike thought his history as a shopper would allow him some trust.

“I feel like I’ve earned some trust. In the thousand hours I’ve shopped at this store, I feel like I’ve earned a little bit of trust from the crew,” Spike said. “But they have to judge us by the least of us. They really do.”

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.