With a blocked head, runny nose and voice like a rasp, I ducked out from work to buy a box of Codral. I haven’t bought Codral in years, but it occurred to me that if I was going to do the socially expected thing and ‘punch through’ this cold and infect the entire office in the process, I may as well be comfortable while I’m doing it.
After the Pharmacist and I got through the multitude of questions that all purchases require these days (Name or generic brand? Small or large box? Day and night or just day or night?) he said, “What photo ID have you got?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You need photo ID with your address on it to buy Codral in Australia,” he explained. “It contains xezqxreanolex.*”
I don’t know why it bothered me as much as it did. Well, I didn’t actually have any ID with me – so that’s a start – and my head was pounding like a mutha so I will say I was not my (ordinarily very nice but sometimes really not) self at the time. I may or may not have muttered something about Australia becoming governed by Mary Poppins and something else about whether the Pharmacist was happy being Door Bitch and stomped out of the pharmacy. I can assure you that knocking over the toothpaste stand by the front door was entirely unintentional and very inconvenient as it meant I had to help the Pharmacist slash Door Bitch pick up all the cartons.
“It’s a dangerous drug if not taken correctly,” he murmured, avoiding eye contact.
“Yes, I understand that. I’m sorry about the toothpaste.”
“I’m sorry you don’t have ID,” he returned, generously.
What it all boils down to for me (and I write this through the fog of my unmedicated head cold so I absolutely reserve the right to retract the lot), is that I’m really just a little bit tired of all the rules we have in our fair country. I’ve travelled the world extensively and I can say with certainty that I never came across a country that had as little faith in its people as Australia. We are so babied here that it makes me want to chuck a tanty in aisle five.
We seem to assume the worst in people and govern for the lowest possible denominator. It’s almost like as a country we are trying to actively raze to the ground all trace of common sense and build a rule on top of it. Rule after rule after rule is being made and accepted and we aren’t asking for so much as a spoonful of sugar to help them go down.
Teachers can’t give children a hug in the playground when they skin their knee. You can’t buy firecrackers. A speed camera is standing by just waiting to catch you paying more attention to the traffic around you than your speedometre. It’s not your choice to wear a seat belt to save your own life. Forget the wind in your hair, you’ll get fined if you don’t wear a helmet when you ride your bike (I would say ‘why not make us wear helmets in cars?’ but I am scared it will happen). They’ll fine you for swearing in Victoria. We’re even fined if we don’t vote for the right to exercise our democratic right to freedom of speech.
I’m not sorry I didn’t think to take ID to the Pharmacy to buy medication for the common cold. I’m just sorry that I was supposed to.
* Or maybe it was Phenylephrine.
** Mine is not this. I’ll save my erkiest Aussie rule for another post!
[Image found here]
CurlyPops says
OMG it’s sooooooo true! I’ve been using the same chemist for 15 years. I reach the safety net every single year without fail (I have lots and lots of prescriptions and I’m there every week), but I get those same exact questions if I ask for sudafed once a year when I have a snuffly nose….. OVERKILL MUCH!
Tai Tai says
At least it’s not Singapore – you get fined for chewing gum there…..
thesoundandthefury says
The stuff they’re most worried about in the pills is called pseudoephedrine. They’re paranoid that you’ll synthesise and extract it from the Codral tablets to make Meth and/or Speed. Or is it Ecstasy? One or the other or the other.
I was once in a pharmacy, and there was a sign up behind the cashier that said “Pseudo-watch”. I asked her if that meant they weren’t really watching? First, she didn’t get the joke; when the penny dropped, she was not amused.
Tammi says
Yep the same thing happens in NZ…apparently some of the ‘over the counter’ drugs can be used to manufacture some sort of class A drug.
And the stink thing is that it affects even the most innocent of citizens!
Hope you are feeling better soon 🙂
x
Julie says
I KNOW! I think the worst thing I read recently was about an apartment building seeking to ban all smoking on premises, including balconies. (These residents were owners, not renters).
I personally don’t smoke, and I’m not a huge fan of it either, but the whole thing about controlling what people do IN THEIR OWN HOMES reeks of Big Brother, and sets a dangerous precedent.
Karen Wilson says
Unfortunately some people do need to be babied this much, and the rules are made to account for the lowest common denominator. This then leads to a lot more people who didn’t need it, but are giving in to it because they can.
It’s that whole story of a few bad apples ruining it for the rest of us.
Oh and the fact that common sense seems to be attached to the Ozone layer and is disappearing off into space.
Just Martha says
I like being asked for id. It gives me the feeling that i give off a potentially dangerous vibe! NOT My answer? “If I was a criminal, would I be either buying just o-n-e packet or actually paying for it?” Just putting it out there. The chemist-y people usually have no answer for my question. Once, I even asked for t-w-o boxes. Ye gads!! I think they turned the camera on my face for that request so I obligingly smile, snot a-running, nose red….
Toni says
YES! the ‘nanny state’ drives me mad, and it’s everywhere. I’m sick and tired of being treated like an idiot or a criminal.
If the courts punished wrong-doers effectively, and people accepted the consequences of their own stupidity, we wouldn’t need all these rules in the first place.
montanna says
Most people involved in serious body building will need to increase the amount of their daily calorie ingestion in order to feel good. The daily caloric requirement will increase abdominal exercise as the muscular and overall body mass increases.
yaga says
We do have quite a lot of rules in switzerland – you can even be fined for not carrying ID with you at all times. I think the difference is that people here are used to it and kind of assume it’s for their own good… which it mostly is. ;o)
yaga says
Oh btw did you read that story in the news last week about a guy who was protesting against helmet rules on his bike and had an accident and died from hitting his head on a wall? bummer!! ^^
Caz Makepeace says
Yes! YEs! Yes!
Cannot agree with this post more. I’m so sick of the babying and the stupid rules designed to cater to the senseless and irresponsible lunatics running the asylum.
I see and hear it all teaching in the schools. The bullies, the thugs and those who don’t want to learn get all the attention and none of the consequences. Kids whose lives are threatened are being forced to leave schools because nothing can be done to the kids making the threats because their is a “duty of care” to help them. Where’s the duty of care to those kids who always do teh right thing and want to learn but feel unsafe and unprotected.
My husband and I lived overseas for 9 years and have been back now for almost a year. We are horrified by the state of this country. It is all about fines, fees and taxes. It has gone so far downhill. It is tragic. It is so bad that for us we are quickly finding a way to leave again and live somewhere else where society is upheld to a greater standard of behaviour and bullshit is not accepted, and consequences given.
Anonymous says
It’s not just Australia with its crazy rules at the pharmacy. We have the same rule in USA pharmacies about presenting a drivers license or other valid photo ID to buy those medicines.
Kelly says
Arr, yes this is something I have been thinking about alot lately. So sick of all the silly little rules cropping up everywhere.
My pet hate is when I need to by ventolin at the Pharmacy…and I have to answer 20 questions before they will sell it to me.
Hope you are feeling better soon honey xo
Ms Curious @ CCM says
I watched a documentary about pseudoephedrine and ice a few years ago. The damage to addicts of ice is so scary, on balance I’m OK with presenting my licence to get the meds. According to the documentary the drug trade moved to countries with lower restrictions (e.g. Mexico) to source the pseudoephedrine.
I’m somewhat in the middle in my view of “nanny state”. I dislike restrictions we placed on kids and what they can/can’t do. Like they can’t do somersaults during recess because the school doesn’t want to be sued. Where is the fun?
But I feel strongly about safety measures like seatbelts and helmets on bikes. In an ideal world we’ll have dedicated bike paths around town and the risk of cyclist being hit by a car is low, but that’s not the reality, so helmets are lifesavers.
Ny. says
Same thing in the US…or Cali at least. Some of the over the counter meds are even kept behind the counter so cannot even get to them at all without ID!!!
Ps…I love your Mary Poppins pic. It makes me want to leave work and go watch it right now!
Stacia says
What does it mean to chuck a tanty? I have no idea, but it kind of sounds like fun.
And if I’d have been in line behind you, I totally would have used my ID to buy your your medicine. Feel better!
Erin says
I don’t know if we are have more rules than some other countries, I know the US is over the top with us in this.
It drives me crazy too. take the new car seat laws. Now I’m not against them per se what I struggle with is the writing of them. A child is to stay in a booster seat until 7, however a booster sear is not safe past 28kg. now I have some children reach this weight prior to 7 some after. it seems more dangerous to be in a booster seat past the weight. so I ring RTA get this, I may have my child under 7 out of the booster seat if over 28kg BUT must have a DOCTOR”S LETTER in glove box to say he is over 28kg!!!!
Oh and don’t get me started on the fact that we have changed our education laws to keep kids in school till 17, talk about more babying the nation and with no consultation!!
Roberta says
nice blog! I love Mary Poppins!! 😉
http://traveloguewithlove.blogspot.com/
melissa says
I agree with Ms Curious – the rules regarding pseudoephedrine are there to attempt to minimise access to the ingredient that can be used to manufacture illicit drugs. I’m ok with that.
Did the pharmacist tell you that there are other cold and flu tablets which have a slightly different ingredient in them that are available without ID (in chemists and at supermarkets).
I do understand your vent though – I had horrible sinus pain and I wanted to get some of the real deal but got refused because I didn’t have my licence – they don’t accept other photo id…
Melissa says
Totally agree with all the rules. The codral rules are to try to prevent backyard drug labs. I wonder when they’ll start policing the uni chem labs? The chem prof that got busted NSW running a drug lab with his students a few years ago was a professor at Monash University when I was there studying for my phD.
I usually pick up cordial without ID around our area. I’m sure there are formulations that you don’t need it for.
Luckily also my kids have always had teachers that do give them a cuddle. My youngest especially is very tactile and would initiate contact with his teachers a couple of times a day. I’m so glad they don’t rebuff him.
Paula says
I hate being treated like a meth addict every time I want to buy a decongestant. Try a Neti Pot – they just use saline solution and don’t require ID!
Naturally Carol says
Hi Maxabella..I think the bottom line in this country is money. It’s not that people really care about drug addicts..but how much money they drain from the public purse in treating them in hospitals and jails. It’s not about obese people or diabetics..but about costs to the hospital system and making bigger seats on planes or costing more for fuel etc etc. All the laws are in place to protect the tax payers money that the government wants to take off us all in what every other way they can…like Carbon Tax, GST, PAYG, multiple licences, Rego etc etc etc. Are laws to protect people..I don’t think so..the motivation for making law has changed over the years..it’s all about money not people.
Jodie Ansted says
I’m going to show this post to my husband. He will wholeheartedly agree with you (as do I).
He always says, “Australia is such a nanny state.” Then goes on and on about how great France is and how you can take your dog to a national park or abseil down any cliff you like and people won’t care. (Of course, he’s not influenced by the fact that the Tour de France is held there and he is cycling obsessed.)
Sorry to hear about the cold. Been there last week & week before. Terrible. Get better soon!
xxx
Heather says
It is pretty over the top but it only really annoys me if I don’t have my ID on me. Otherwise I don’t really care that much. We are all struck down with the flu in our household…not much fun. So what you should do is get on the lemon and ginger tea that I have told you about before. It is a miracle remedy. Pop some honey in it too. xxx
Good Golly Miss Holly! says
They do it as a way to tackle folk using Sudafed and what not to make amphetamines, don’t they?
That I can understand, however you were only purchasing one box which hardly makes a drug dealer!
Do not even get me started on fines for swearing. The licencing officer that governs our area is a firebreathing dragon who wants to hands out fines to people who swear while at our pub. Pretty sure the only thing the foul mouthed folk are guilty of is you know, being foul mouthed. Surely there are more serious matters the police could be looking in?
Ugh.
Sam-O says
Wow! This is totally bizare!
I bought a MASSIVE box a few weeks ago (lets face it if it comes in a pack of 96, why not get 96…). No comment, no id. I also thought that none of them still contained effedrine because of the drug manufacture. Maybe the problem was that the one suggested by the pharmacist still does.
I think the pharmacist was a little OTT. There would have been a stack of other options for your needs. I doubt I would have helped with the toothpaste!
The only time I’ve ever been asked for ID was in Qld and it was buying a cortisone cream shortly after it came off perscription so I wasn’t too put out.
MummyK says
I understand the firecracker thing but I feel bad it’s not available. We had so much fun with those things in the Philippines. On the other hand, I’ve also covered news stories with the exploded hands of little kids because of them.
supermac says
I guess that’s what’s going to happen when you’re in the First World. We can buy cold meds here. We know there’s phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine that supposedly can make you feel high if consumed in extremely large doses. But people here can only afford to buy 3 tablets at a time that’s why the government has not yet thought of the crazy rule of ID’ing a cold medicine purchase.
sascedar says
my favourite part of this post is that you used the term “chuck a tanty”. classic. btw i’m a teacher and i will always give little kids a cuddle if they fall over.
wendy hill says
Lets start with I dont go to the doctor EVER so sometimes rely implicitly on a pharmaceutical appraisal when in reality im only half listening and calling the shots.
Now that youve swallowed that large pill, I had to go this year, 4 and a half months ago, without results and am still coughing, (one overseas trip to asia later and back).
Thats not relevant to the questions you asked but I feel a bit better…
I dont like rules.
I think asian drivers RULE in their own country as ive seen that it works first hand on a number of trips.
You didnt ask about asian driving either did you?
Holy crap… now I feel a bit silly for saying this cos I dont truly have an opinion that doesnt affect me directly. Yet.
And everyone elses answers seem so well informed about the drug thing which im not.
But I still dont wish to conform to any rules, hope you ‘get me’, x
Kate says
Yes yes YES Australia babies its citizens. My husband and I talk about this ALL the time and we’re convinced that it’s making everyone stupid as a result because no-one has to think for themselves anymore – there’s a rule or a law or some bloody restriction on everything (I can feel my blood pressure rising as I type!)…
If you look at the laws here they don’t ban the act of doing something wrong, they ban access to the tools that might be used to do something wrong, even though the tool might legitimately be used for something else, i.e. Codral when you’re sick, carrying a knife. Consequently, law-abiding citizens are hindered in their daily goings-on, those who are destined for a criminal life still do the wrong thing and it instills fear into people which further exacerbates the problem.
Great post, as usual… I’m now going to put the kettle on and try to calm down! I hope you feel better soon 🙂
Traci says
God I have had this exact thing happen to me. I was visibly dying from flu, forgot ID and drugs denied. The Pharmacist was however happy to serve my obviously happy and healthy husband, all because he was bearing his licence. Ridiculous!
Shelley @ My Shoebox Life says
This is bizarro. I had Codral the week before last and though it knocked the crap out of me, I didn’t get hassled at all by the chemist – they gladly handed it over. I thought Victoria was supposed to be one of the worst ‘nanny’ states. Hey, I take offence to that actually, given that I am actually a nanny!! 😉 Hope you’re feeling better. xx
Veronica :: MamaJots says
I live in NSW. It’s the ‘nanny state’ of all nanny states!!. The older ( & i think more wiser) i get, the more i am starting to realise that the australian government & local councils think were all completely incompetent in making our own judgements & treat us like we are void of common sense. It’s red tape bureaucracy. Don’t even get me started on the Carbon Tax & recently having a police woman tell me my licence plate appeared to be in the wrong spot. She was saying the spare wheel hard cover on the back of my 4wd was obstructing the number plate. What the fudge?? I didn’t design the freakin car!! and she was serious about fining me. The australian government supports these jokers – what they say goes. It’s not as a free country as what people think! anyway, thats my 2 cents worth!
Mel@Georgica pond says
My husband is English and has lived in countries all over the world, and survived them! He even rode his motorbike from India to England without a helmet! He thinks Australia is the most over-regulated country in the world, and in some ways I tend to agree. It’s a shame that the majority of the population have to be so controlled and regulated because of the few rotten apples in the basket and what they may or may not do.
Sannah says
It IS getting worse isn’t it? And very frustrating. All of the rules, especially something like your situation – it is hard enough for mum’s to get out and about when they are sick.
on another note though, I lived in Sweden for a while, and questioned my Swedish friends why there didn’t seem to be any drink-driving advertisements on tv (or anywhere else). They replied very matter of factly that they had in the 70s, and they had worked, so they didn’t need them any more. We still seem to have a massive problem with drink driving despite the fact that we have had decades of ads. Are we, Australians, just bad at following rules? are we like children who can’t be trusted, so the parents feel their only possibility is to try and enforce more and tighter controls?
p.s. I also had a cold this week, luckily when I bought Codral last (for my husband) I bought the extra-giant sized pack, just so that I wouldn’t have to go through all that hoo-ha again for as long as possible.
Life In A Pink Fibro says
I bought Codral recently. No licence check. I think he recognises me. Sigh. Small town.
Visiting via the Rewind.
Jo @Countrylifeexperiment says
Totally agree with you! You would probably like the blog “free range kids” – it’s theme is similar to this post!
Kirsty @ Bowerbird Blue says
SOOOO nanny, I am still mourning the loss of fire works and having to wear a bike helmet. So hard to take a walk on the wild side!
They probably did you a favour though, that stuff is evil. In defence of the pharmacist they do get taken to court regularly and this one may have had a bad experience.
Diminishing Lucy says
Andrew is with you. I am on the fence. I am happy to play by the ver increasing set of rules that Australia imposes – it protects me from the ever increasing lowest common denominator.
It’s not me I am worried about – it’s the 100’s of other fuckwits.
Charlie 9aged 6) boiled it down beautifully the other day – “Mum, you know I can cross the road without holding your hand, don’t you? You do know, Mum, that I am always going to stop look listen and watch out for the idiots?”
xx
Jane says
Ah Bron. I nodded then and I’m nodding today. Life is getting *way* too complex. isn’t it? J x
Charis says
Sounds a lot like the UK to me! Although, admittedly, i don’t need ID to buy cough medicine 🙂