Over 18s only: ID required to sample Asda's Christmas mince pies

The supermarket Asda is demanding that shoppers present their ID to sample its mince pies because they contain port and brandy.

With Christmas five weeks away, the chain has been handing out slices of its Extra Special luxury all-butter mince pies for consumers to taste.

But staff are requesting proof of age because the mince pies, which are being sold in a six pack for £1.85, contain a drop of French brandy. And of ruby port.

Student Merryn Walker, 21, who was denied a sample because he had no ID at an Asda at Donnington, Shropshire, told The Sun that the policy was ridiculous. He said: 'It's crazy. You could probably eat a box and not be inebriated.'

The shortcrust pastry pies, which come in a box marked 'contains alcohol', include four per cent brandy and 1.5 per cent port.

An Asda spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We know our customers will love the fantastic festive food we have available this year, which is why we're sampling bite sized portions of some of the tasty treats in the build-up to Christmas.

'For obvious reasons products containing liquid alcohol are only offered to customers over the age of 18.

'However, mince pies are a family staple and would usually be made available to all – but we would never criticise an individual for trying to do the right thing when presented with a customer who's lucky enough to look younger than their years.'