If you think VAR might have gone too far, you're absolutely right, and we're afraid to inform you that the technology is only becoming more and more common as time goes on. Sorry.
So much so, in fact, that Tesco look are bringing in their own virtual referee into self-checkout systems in shops. 'Game's gone', as they say...
Of course, we're being a bit flippant here, but if you have seen 'VAR' and 'Tesco', you're not seeing things: this is genuinely a thing that is being rolled out here in the UK, with video footage of the supermarket chain's next self-checkout technology going viral online.
Thought you'd got away with sneaking an extra little something in the bag without paying? Think again.
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) May 28, 2025
We'll admit, this was the first time we'd come across the technology, but as it turns out, the updated self-checkout service has been in place for a while.
Similar VAR checkouts have already been installed at other retailers, Sainsbury's and ASDA, although some reports claim that while stores capture footage of shoppers to check if they've scanned all of their items, it is thought that not all of these self-service tills show a playback when an error is detected.
Although this particular speculation has sparked some uproar and debate online, many have quite rightly pointed out that CCTV records your movement in any given shop.
Regardless, it's fair to say that aside from the obvious memes and people poking fun at the new system, many on social media have shared some pretty strong opinions on the matter.
Not that it matters much - it's likely this will soon become increasingly the norm, with the likes of Sainsbury's having already introduced barriers which require customers to scan their receipt in order to leave certain branches in Britain.
As yet, it's unclear how many of these new self-service tills are in operation and whether they are limited to larger supermarket locations of their Express stores, but don't be surprised if you come across one.
Put simply, if a barcode isn't registered before being put on the scale and/or set aside to be packed away, the Tesco till will read: "The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again."
Addressing these new VAR-style checkouts in an official statement, a company spokesperson said: "We are always looking at technology to make life easier for our customers.
"We have recently installed a new system at some stores which helps customers using self-service checkouts identify if an item has not been scanned properly, making the checkout process quicker and easier."
What do you make of the new Tesco and their new VAR self-checkouts?
Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the city’s interactive gaming scene, as Prison Island prepares to open its first northern venue.
The new multi-activity entertainment venue at the Merrion Centre will make itself at home inside an 11,000 sq ft unit across two floors, with Prison Island being at the heart of the action.
Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving, and unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges that enable them to create a different experience with every visit.
The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences - including interactive darts and interactive golf.
Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations, and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England - joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Prison Island Leeds - which will create 18 jobs once it opens - will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions.
Suitable for groups of friends and families, as well as celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities, the venue is joining the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarter’s growing leisure and entertainment offer.
Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: "We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds / Credit: Supplied
"With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before."
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.
Further information on the opening, including launch plans, will be announced in due course.
Featured Image - Supplied
Business
Government to investigate companies like Trainline and Virgin Atlantic for ‘misleading’ pricing
Emily Sergeant
The Government is investigating a number of companies for 'misleading' pricing practices.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched three new consumer protection investigations into Trainline, Virgin Atlantic, and RED Driving School over concerns that customers were not shown the total price upfront when buying things like train and coach tickets, holidays, or even driving lessons.
The investigations are part of a wider CMA clampdown on misleading pricing practices - in this instance, where mandatory charges are separated from the headline price, or added later in the buying process, which is known as drip pricing.
These practices leave consumers facing 'unexpected' costs or having to calculate the so-called true cost themselves.
Such practices can also impact competition between businesses, as a firm using drip pricing may falsely appear to be cheaper than a competitor pricing correctly, and therefore attract more customers.
Trainline is being investigated over whether all mandatory fees have been included in the upfront prices displayed to consumers buying tickets in advance on its app and website, while Virgin Atlantic's investigation will focus on whether mandatory resort fees and local taxes have been included in the upfront prices shown to customers buying package holidays.
Trainline and Virgin Atlantic are among the companies being investigated for 'misleading' pricing / Credit: Northern | Aric Cheng (via Unsplash)
RED Driving School is being investigated over how a mandatory booking fee and 'digital' fee have been displayed to people booking driving lessons - specifically whether these fees have been included in the total upfront price.
"At a time when many households are watching every pound they spend, it is important that people are not surprised by extra fees," commented Emma Cochrane, who is the Executive Director for Consumer Protection at the CMA.
"Clear pricing helps people compare offers confidently and choose the option that works best for them.
"Unexpected mandatory charges make this much harder, which is why the CMA initially put these firms on notice over concerns about their pricing practices and is now opening formal investigations."
The CMA says it's at the beginning of its investigations and has reached no conclusions about whether these firms have broken the law.
If it finds there has been an infringement of the law, the CMA can order businesses to pay compensation to affected customers or be charged up to 10% of global turnover.
Danny Jones -
29th May 2025 
