Bunnings shoppers left stunned by new rule: 'It was a bit bizarre,' says local
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A recent change at Bunnings has left shoppers questioning store policies and wondering how far new regulations will go.
What appeared to be a simple trip for a gardening tool turned into an unexpected experience for one local.
This shift has sparked confusion and debate, with many wondering how this might affect everyday shopping.
Home renovators and gardening enthusiasts across Queensland were caught off guard by a recent change in Bunnings stores. Shoppers now face stricter regulations when buying certain tools, a move that left one regular customer surprised this past weekend.
Shane, from Caloundra, visited his local Bunnings with his wife to purchase a garden hoe. However, upon reaching the aisle, he found the item locked behind perspex with a sign reading 'seek staff for assistance'.
After tracking down an employee, Shane was escorted to the checkout, where the worker explained the new law.
'There was a sign saying seek staff for assistance,' Shane recalled. 'He said these are new laws, and he needed to carry the hoe to the counter, give it to the lady at the counter and I cannot hold it in the store.'
Shane, who owns Procheck Automotive, admitted he was taken aback by the change. 'I thought it was a bit bizarre. I've never seen that before,' he added.
Bunnings confirmed that the new restrictions were due to updated state laws, which came into effect earlier this year. These laws have resulted in several changes to store procedures, particularly in Queensland.
The Queensland government recently introduced regulations aimed at reducing the risk of violent crime, particularly among young people. As part of these changes, laws were enforced on 1 September, making it illegal to sell knives to minors and requiring retailers to securely store certain items.
This includes not only knives and daggers but also machetes, axes, scythes, spear guns, and other bladed tools. Replica firearms, including gel blasters, are also included in the restrictions.
However, some knives, like those made of plastic or with a rounded end, are exempt.
Queensland Police stated they would rigorously enforce these regulations, conducting in-store checks to ensure compliance. Retailers found in breach could face fines up to $6,000 for each violation.
'If [Bunnings] have rules to follow, you've gotta follow the rules but it caught me by surprise,' Shane said, expressing frustration over the added step. 'I feel like I now can’t buy gardening equipment without someone holding your hand.'
The new laws build on the foundation of Jack’s Law, which was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of teenager Jack Beasley in 2019. As a result, Queensland Police now have the authority to conduct random searches for weapons using metal-detecting wands.
Since the law’s implementation, police have seized 689 weapons during more than 7,000 operations across the state. The haul included everything from kitchen knives to tomahawks, hunting knives, and even screwdrivers.
Mark Kelly, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Queensland Police, stated, 'For Jack’s Law to be reinforced with these new laws restricting the sale of knives to minors, it will help reduce the number of these weapons getting into the hands of young people to begin with.'
In response to the new regulations, Bunnings has taken steps to ensure compliance with these changes. The company confirmed that it is working closely with local communities to manage access to potentially dangerous products while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Marg Walford, Bunnings General Manager of Operations, stated, 'We worked to become fully compliant with the new laws around knives and other bladed items which came into effect on 1 September this year.'
In Queensland stores, customers can expect secure storage for specific products, as well as prominent signage indicating the new restrictions. Bunnings will continue requiring proof of age for the purchase of bladed items, a policy already in place.
'As always, we’ll continue to follow advice of regulatory authorities across Australia to ensure the safe and proper sale of our products,' Walford concluded.
In a previous story, we uncovered the surprising reasons behind stock shortages at Bunnings, revealing what might be going on behind the scenes. Curious to know what’s really happening?
Read the full story here.
With the way things are changing in stores, do you think these tighter regulations are a step in the right direction, or just an inconvenience for customers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
What appeared to be a simple trip for a gardening tool turned into an unexpected experience for one local.
This shift has sparked confusion and debate, with many wondering how this might affect everyday shopping.
Home renovators and gardening enthusiasts across Queensland were caught off guard by a recent change in Bunnings stores. Shoppers now face stricter regulations when buying certain tools, a move that left one regular customer surprised this past weekend.
Shane, from Caloundra, visited his local Bunnings with his wife to purchase a garden hoe. However, upon reaching the aisle, he found the item locked behind perspex with a sign reading 'seek staff for assistance'.
After tracking down an employee, Shane was escorted to the checkout, where the worker explained the new law.
'There was a sign saying seek staff for assistance,' Shane recalled. 'He said these are new laws, and he needed to carry the hoe to the counter, give it to the lady at the counter and I cannot hold it in the store.'
Shane, who owns Procheck Automotive, admitted he was taken aback by the change. 'I thought it was a bit bizarre. I've never seen that before,' he added.
Bunnings confirmed that the new restrictions were due to updated state laws, which came into effect earlier this year. These laws have resulted in several changes to store procedures, particularly in Queensland.
The Queensland government recently introduced regulations aimed at reducing the risk of violent crime, particularly among young people. As part of these changes, laws were enforced on 1 September, making it illegal to sell knives to minors and requiring retailers to securely store certain items.
This includes not only knives and daggers but also machetes, axes, scythes, spear guns, and other bladed tools. Replica firearms, including gel blasters, are also included in the restrictions.
However, some knives, like those made of plastic or with a rounded end, are exempt.
Queensland Police stated they would rigorously enforce these regulations, conducting in-store checks to ensure compliance. Retailers found in breach could face fines up to $6,000 for each violation.
'If [Bunnings] have rules to follow, you've gotta follow the rules but it caught me by surprise,' Shane said, expressing frustration over the added step. 'I feel like I now can’t buy gardening equipment without someone holding your hand.'
The new laws build on the foundation of Jack’s Law, which was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of teenager Jack Beasley in 2019. As a result, Queensland Police now have the authority to conduct random searches for weapons using metal-detecting wands.
Since the law’s implementation, police have seized 689 weapons during more than 7,000 operations across the state. The haul included everything from kitchen knives to tomahawks, hunting knives, and even screwdrivers.
Mark Kelly, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Queensland Police, stated, 'For Jack’s Law to be reinforced with these new laws restricting the sale of knives to minors, it will help reduce the number of these weapons getting into the hands of young people to begin with.'
In response to the new regulations, Bunnings has taken steps to ensure compliance with these changes. The company confirmed that it is working closely with local communities to manage access to potentially dangerous products while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Marg Walford, Bunnings General Manager of Operations, stated, 'We worked to become fully compliant with the new laws around knives and other bladed items which came into effect on 1 September this year.'
In Queensland stores, customers can expect secure storage for specific products, as well as prominent signage indicating the new restrictions. Bunnings will continue requiring proof of age for the purchase of bladed items, a policy already in place.
'As always, we’ll continue to follow advice of regulatory authorities across Australia to ensure the safe and proper sale of our products,' Walford concluded.
In a previous story, we uncovered the surprising reasons behind stock shortages at Bunnings, revealing what might be going on behind the scenes. Curious to know what’s really happening?
Read the full story here.
With the way things are changing in stores, do you think these tighter regulations are a step in the right direction, or just an inconvenience for customers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
