Shoppers at Bunnings have been left bewildered by the new security measures surrounding the sale of garden tools, particularly gardening hoes now locked behind glass. Business owner Shane, who operates Procheck Automotive, recently uncovered this unusual regulation during his visit to the Bunnings store at Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
On the weekend, Shane recorded his experience and shared it on TikTok, showcasing how the store has taken precautions to secure commonly used gardening items. "They're all locked up and we need to talk to the customer service team about getting one," Shane explains as he films dozens of garden hoes, stacked neatly behind perspex screens.
Upon seeking assistance from Bunnings staff, Shane was informed he could not hold the hoe until he was ready to buy, as employees had to escort him to the checkout with the item. "I thought it was a bit bizarre. I've never seen this before," he noted. His sentiments highlight the confusion shoppers feel over Bunnings' security decisions, especially since more dangerous tools, such as shears and saws, remain easily accessible.
"If you want to do some forking, you can buy some forks ... that's no dramas; if you want to buy some big shears ... you can buy plenty of shears," he remarked, pointing out this apparent inconsistency. While acknowledging the seriousness of the state's new knife laws, Shane admitted he found the situation puzzling. "Going to Bunnings to buy a pick and you can't because of the knife laws, but you can buy a saw and you can buy shears ... weird," he expressed.
A notice on the glass screen indicated, "the sale of knives and other controlled items to minors is prohibited," and nearby was another sign reading, "Dear customer, please see a team member to access these products." This is part of Bunnings' response to new knife regulations impacting retailers across the state.
Marg Walford, General Manager of Operations at Bunnings Queensland, shared insights about the chain's approach to compliance with these new laws. She explained, "We worked to become fully compliant with the new laws around knives and other bladed items which came to effect on September 1 this year." The Bunnings representative emphasized the retailer's intention to meet customers' needs and prioritize safety for both shoppers and staff.
The new legislation prohibits the sale of knives to anyone under the age of 18 and necessitates secure storage for items like double-edged knives, machetes, tomahawks, and axes. Retail establishments must now also display clear signage when age-restricted items are sold. Noncompliance can come with hefty fines amounting to $67,746.
Taking it one step forward, law enforcement can now utilize handheld metal detectors at various public venues to combat knife crime, reflecting growing concerns over safety issues related to bladed items. The laws expand upon Jack's Law, which was enacted by the Queensland government earlier this year, responding to tragedies linked to knife violence.
Shane maintained his viewpoint throughout his online discussion, reiteratively calling attention to the differing levels of accessibility offered for different tools. He clarified, "The knife laws are a serious thing, but it seems illogical when you can simply walk over and pick up more dangerous tools without any assistance." Many viewers echoed his thoughts, labeling the regulations as "weird" and “ridiculous.”
Commenters on Shane's TikTok clip reflected on the absurdity of the new rules, with one declaring, "The world has gone mad." Another offered, "Seems illogical"— sentiments shared by many who feel conflicted about these measures intended for public safety.
Moving forward, Bunnings assures customers it will continue to prioritize compliance with safety regulations, requiring proof of age for all purchases of bladed items.
Marg Walford concluded, emphasizing Bunnings' commitment to following the advice of regulatory authorities to manage the sale of their products safely.
While shopping at Bunnings may now come with additional steps and greater confusion, it's clear these measures aim to tackle wider safety concerns. They reflect heightened vigilance amid rising worries about knife crime, prompting the hardware giant to adapt as best it can to the new regulatory environment.
