A GROUP of Dunfermline pensioners have vowed to boycott Asda after they couldn't buy their bingo vouchers because of fears of money-laundering! 

For more than 20 years, the Brucefield Tenants and Residents Association have held fortnightly bingo socials giving out £1 gift vouchers from Asda St Leonards to give out as prizes. 

But the group were stunned to be told they could no longer purchase 100 £1 vouchers because of company guidelines stopping the sale of multiple vouchers to prevent money-laundering. 

Members blasted the decision as"ridiculous", saying they are being treated "like criminals" by Asda, even though staff were fully aware of the purpose of the vouchers. 

They said they would boycott the supermarket giant unless they could reach an amicable resolution. 
Christine Ritchie, treasurer of the group, said: "Since our very first bingo tea all those years ago, our community group has purchased £1 gift vouchers from Asda St Leonards to give out as bingo prizes. 

"This has worked perfectly well for our patrons and Asda, who profit from the return custom. That is until recently.

"The staff in store are fully aware of the purpose of those vouchers, in fact,members of Asda staff have been known to attend our bingo tea and can vouch for their use. 

"The preposterous reason given in both instances was that the company will not allow multiple voucher sales in a crackdown on money-laundering!

"This is a ridiculous excuse given our circumstances. Especially since it is possible to buy a single gift voucher valued at £100 without any fuss." 

The association said Tesco had no problem with the group purchasing multiple vouchers on that scale. 
When they rang up Asda's head office to complain, they were also told that it shouldn't be a problem, but when informed of this, Asda St Leonards staff still refused the sale. 

Lynn Simpson, chair of the group said: "Unfortunately, many who attend our bingo tea are pensioners who won't mange to get to Tesco to spend their vouchers. 

"These same people are so outraged by the reason for Asda's refusal and feel they are being discriminated against and treated like criminals by Asda after so many years' loyal custom.

"All these vouchers go back into the store and this is what I cannot understand. 

"We are just trying to get people out of their homes and provide somewhere where residents can come together socially." 

Asda confirmed the policy was well-meaning but have confirmed the group will be able to buy multiple vouchers in the future after a review of their case. 

A spokesperson said: “We take pride in working with the local community and after reviewing this unique situation we are happy to confirm this social group is able to purchase the vouchers as they require from our St Leonards store.”