Getting served
My eldest has just turned 18, but he still looks about 14. Consequently he doesn't stand a chance of getting served in a pub. He only has a birth certificate, an NUS card and his college ID card (both of which have his photo on). He doesn't have a passport or driving licence though. He's planning on going out at weekend to celebrate properly and is concerned he won't get served at all.

When I was his age, the most I needed was a birth certificate. Will he get served with what he has, or are they far stricter than they used to be?
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 11:53, 15 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

All I needed were my manly square jaw, thick stubble and Brian Blessed voice

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 11:56, Reply)

They're stricter
but if he showed his birth-certificate I can't imagine there would be much hassle if it was just a pub
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 11:59, Reply)

It's unlikely
99% of places these days will only accept a passport or a license. But if he has a combination of things, he could be in with a chance.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:01, Reply)

on my 18th, i got id'ed and refused.
i was given 20 tickets and a golden vip ticket by my local nightclub, which sucked anyway, my mates all went in, i rock up with the golden ticket, the bouncer id's me. i didn't drive, or have a passport, so i was fucked. went home and drank iirc.
(UppityDamnPrimate LET'S OPEN THIS F*CKING PIT UP, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:04, Reply)

It was only fucking Twilight
so fuck it.
( Peej, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 15:07, Reply)

Provisional drivers licence is accepted in most places
and it's cheaper to get than a passport.
(PsychoChomp, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:04, Reply)

Or do the old trick of walking in with two attractive girls bouncers are all perves.

(PsychoChomp, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:05, Reply)

Sadly a BC is proof of age but not proof of ID.
The only way a licencee can be sure is some approved form of photo ID such as passport, driving licence or one of those mickey mouse proof of age cards like the portman group scheme.
If he's planning on just visiting he one pub then you could try going in with him in advance to see the manager/licencee to explain the situation, taking with you whatever documents you have. A fella did that for his son in a pub I worked in 20 years ago and the boss was happy enough.
Good luck ;-)
( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:07, Reply)

He needs a passport ASAP
I looked about 14 whan I was 18, so I got one in good time for my 18th. I got my head of sixth form to sign the back of my photo, she asked where I was going on holiday. She was unimpressed that I just wanted it to buy booze.
( Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:09, Reply)

Depends
He won't get into a club, and a lot of pubs probably. They tend to be a lot stricter now, because as we all know proving you're 18 makes you 100% more responsible when it comes to alcohol. I'd reccomend him getting a Pass logo card - one of those sorted me out for a while, but clubs will still be funny about it.
(Fredz A graveyard of hopes, a dump of ambition, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:15, Reply)

I can give you no advice on this matter
I've never been asked for ID, as Spainish bars are a lot more "flexible" about age.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:18, Reply)

They are very, very strict
The only forms of ID they technically have to accept are a passport or a full driver's licence (they can even turn down provisional licences). Not much hope with a student card I'm afraid. The only reason I ever get away with using mine is because my driving licence picture looks relatively little like me, so I have to use it for confirmation.
( Hdjejjwsjdjjf LOOK, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 12:40, Reply)

He'd be fucked up here
Most boozers have a strict no under 21 policy. Which is great. I just wish they'd up it to 25.
(The Boy Monders I have ginger bits in my beard., Tue 20 Apr 2010, 14:18, Reply)

You may struggle...
most places want provisional/full drivers license or passport, but i know of people getting away with student cards. It all depends of how big a cunt the bouncers are!
(brightspark, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 16:32, Reply)

Good luck if he's going round town.
There were a few places in the city center that wouldn't accept my California driver's license as proof of ID, so ended up having to lug my passport around with me.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Tue 20 Apr 2010, 17:32, Reply)