Store's policy is a pain for mum (From Barry And District News)

Store's policy is a pain for mum

A BARRY mum has launched an attack on a leading supermarket chain for stocking painkillers alongside chewing gum at a check-out after her son tried to snatch a packet of Nurofen.

Julia Hollinshead, 34, of Castleland Street, was alarmed when her three-year-old son Liam tried to grab hold of the painkillers while they were shopping at the Asda superstore in Cardiff Bay.

Mrs Hollinshead said: "I managed to stop Liam from opening the packet but still made a complaint to supermarket staff. I was told that the branch had to follow orders from head office to stock painkillers at check-outs."

"I phoned head office but they told me it was my responsibility to look after my children.

"I'm very concerned and won't be shopping at Asda until they move these painkillers from the check-outs. Until they do this I don't believe children will be safe as they could open these packets in seconds."

Julia added: "Asda's attitude was appalling. It was a case of we are quite within our rights due to the height restriction regulations and you should look after your own children."

A spokesman for Asda said: "We'd firstly like to apologise to Mrs Hollinshead if we have not dealt with her complaint in the manner that she'd expect.

"Customers want us to sell these types of products at our check-outs, however they are deliberately merchandised out of reach of young children."

He added: "The products are sealed and held within blister packs within a cardboard box. In other words they are designed to be difficult for young children to access."

Julia added: "If Asda think those blister packs are child-proof then they should meet my kids. They would tear through them in seconds."