So, what should you, as an adult consumer, actually do? A few things.

First, when buying online, expect to go through an age check. It might be a simple birth date entry, but more likely it'll be a verification service that asks for your name and address. Some even ask for a photo of your ID. That's normal.

Second, when you're at a physical store, have your ID ready. Don't wait to be asked. It makes the process smoother and shows you're a responsible buyer.

Third, if you're buying for someone else, make sure they're of legal age. It's on you, not just the shop.

And if you ever feel a seller is being too lax about age checks, you can report them to your local trading standards. That helps keep the whole industry honest.