A man in Hertfordshire contacted emergency services after realizing he had purchased non-alcoholic gin and tonic from a Tesco store. In a call released by Hertfordshire Police, the individual expressed frustration after buying the zero-alcohol beverage, which he found displayed alongside alcoholic products.

The caller explained that he intended to consume the drink in a nearby park due to the pleasant weather. Upon noticing the drink’s alcohol content was zero, he returned to the store and attempted to exchange the unopened items. According to the recording, a Tesco employee informed him that he had already opened one bottle, leading to a dispute over payment for the consumed item and whether an exchange was possible.

During the 999 call, the shopper stated that he had paid approximately six pounds for the non-alcoholic product and expressed anger over the situation. The emergency operator informed him that the matter was not within the police’s jurisdiction and advised the man to calmly discuss the issue with Tesco management rather than attempting to obtain alcoholic products through inappropriate means.

Hertfordshire Police clarified that they made the call recording public to discourage misuse of emergency services. The force emphasized the importance of reserving 999 for genuine emergencies and urged the public not to waste police time over retail or consumer disputes.