Need advice, screwed up at work

[Montessa Python]

I am sure I don't have a job, its that kind of environment.
I was a cashier at a mini mart, two teenage boys work in the deli section and we don't usually have a manager on duty. I am no more in charge of what they do, then they are of what I do.

Two of their friends came in last night and one came up with a case of beer, clearly underage. I checked ID and said no...
he put the beer back and said his buds dared him to do it.

Me.. thinking of beer, purchased some for myself and set the bag down, shortly after the boys went out, and when we are about to stop selling beer.
One of the deli teens came up and asked if I wanted the trash taken out by where I work.
I said yes. We got busy and I got going onto what I had to do to get things done to close.. We have a ton of paperwork to do at the end of the shift.

Long story short I forgot about the beer, and didn't even notice it missing until I got a phone message this morning from the manager.
I am guessing the deli teen grabbed the beer and put it in the trash and proceeded to give it to his buddy.
I am there for guilty of providing beer for a minor. In a round about way, and I didn't actually hand it to them, but I had a customer I had to ring up.
I think he must have seen the deli teen grab the beer. I assume he told the management.
I didn't even think about it, and the only thing I stressed on when I woke up was the fact I had some chicken in the deli that I had paid for and forgot to grab.
I know if I go into the office, as my manager said she wanted to see me, asap this morning... I will get fired, possibly fined, or they will tell me I and the mini mart are going to be fined.
Should I go to our local small town police. I live in a village w/ about 1100 people in it. The mini mart is the only local store.

I just don't know what to do.. although now I am looking for another job.
yeah me.

[llovelace]

I personally don't see where you did anything wrong, except forget your beer.

[Spaniard]

Surely there is some sort of video surveillance over the cash registers. I would have them review the tapes so that they can see you deny the original purchase and then view the deli worker or whomever that took your beer. You did your job right and denied the sale its not your fault that someone took something you purchased for yourself. I would put a complaint in that someone took something from your register that you had paid for.

[lindsey crashed]

the only chance of getting it cleared up is you going in and telling the truth.
if you don't go, that makes you look guilty.

i am sorry for the situation you've found yourself in, though..
i hope it turns out for the better.

[reaxion07]

Seriously, I don't see how you did anything wrong. You made a purchase for yourself before the deadline to buy beer, you continued with your job duties, and your underage co-worker stole the beer for his friends. Tell the truth to your boss, the only thing you could have done was hide the beer - but that would have been hard, since the kids were probably watching you.

[2kdime]

I'd be filing a police report or a complaint within the company at least. Like said before, if you just sit back and cross your fingers, and you get fired, shame on you. But if you bust your butt to prove you didn't do anything wrong and you get fired still, shame on them. But at least you will know you did what you could. Best of luck.

[joepythons]

I agree you did nothing wrong its the young punks that should be fired.Let us know what happens.

[brainman1000]

ok here's the thing. You bought the beer with the intention of taking it home for yourself. What will show up on camera is you denying their attempt to purchase beer, then you buying beer and placing it behind the counter. Then it will show one of the deli guys coming over and picking it up and taking it. Basically it shows a scheme of you buying beer for them and smuggling it out with the trash. Even though that is not what was intended, that is one argument that the video will show. It will end up being your word against everyone elses.

Best bet is to tell the manager exactly what happened and be completely honest about everything.

[Montessa Python]

Well... we all got canned. I guess its their policy.
Oh well I am now looking to be a receiptionist at a vet clinic..

Carol

[reaxion07]

Whaaat? Where do you live? That really stinks, I'm sorry