Only time I've been barred
This was a few years back. I think I was 22. My lass and I were having a drink when we wondered if we could find a friend of ours. It's a few minutes walk to a pub he used to go to and when we got there I went straight to the pool table and put 50p in. There's no cues - oh yeah, they keep them behind the bar, we can ask for them when we get drinks.

I was asked for ID by the middle-aged bloke behind the bar - first time at a pub in ages. Student card is no good (fair enough, it doesn't have a date of birth). Driving licence isn't acceptable either (no photo). Young person's rail card? No, brewery rules. Well, look, you've got photos and there's a bit of government ID with my DOB on it. Sorry, mate, brewery rules. Don't you believe I'm over eighteen? Brewery rules.

Girlfriend was a bit rude to him at this point, but I'm still trying to be reasonable (bad move, I just end up more annoyed when it doesn't work). We'll just get some non-alcoholic drinks. Nope, can't serve you anything. Oh, just the pool cues then. Nope.

Erm, can I get my 50p back?

No.

What, but that's theft! (this may not have been the smartest thing for me to say)

I end up shouting at him and drumming my knuckles on the bar in frustration whilst lass tries to get me to leave. I hit a drip tray, breaking it, and the landlord (I guess) comes along and throws me out. I was in a foul mood after that.

Grief that was a long story.
( Bagpuss, Sat 14 May 2005, 16:59, Reply)