The TV star was told he could only buy two packs
Michael Barrymore got into a heated row with shop staff over cigarettes. The TV legend – once one of Britain’s highest-paid stars – posted a video of himself asking a man behind the counter for four packets of Silk Cut Purple.
The staff member returned with just two and said: “The law says we can only sell maximum two.” Michael asked how long the rule had been in place, and the man insisted “a long time”.
Confused, Michael bought the two and left – only to storm back into the shop and speak to another staff member moments later. The pair again told him he could only have two packets and claimed he was “not allowed” to buy four.
Locals could be seen siding with Michael, saying they had never heard of the rule. Michael even pointed out he bought six packets from Tesco the day before – but the staff refused to budge. The clip was filmed in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on Monday and has since gone viral, racking up 68,000 views.
The 73-year-old shot to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with hit ITV shows like Strike It Lucky, My Kind of People and Barrymore. He later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice, as reported by NeedToKnow.
According to multiple sources, there is no legal limit on buying cigarettes. Adults can purchase as many packs as they like, though some shops may set limits at their discretion – for example, if stock is low or to prevent bulk buying for resale.
The video on Michael’s TikTok has since gained more than 8,100 likes and 500 comments, with viewers having a field day.
One joked: “Beef with the boss man.”
Another quipped: “Think they mistaken cigs for paracetamol.”
Kayleigh said: “You stand your ground Michael! Do they know who you are?!”
Tina added: “That’s ridiculous!!! I wouldn’t shop there again!”
Ryan commented: “I don’t think that’s the law.”
Megan joked: “Confrontational Barrymore unlocked.”
Lily added: “There is no such law about buying in bulk.”
And George concluded: “Boss man’s new rules, very strange!!”
