Do you need identification to buy anything, particularly non-alcoholic drinks in a UK public house?

Question

**EDIT**

I am 22.5 yrs old. I live in Newcastle and it wasn't the landlord/manager that refused to serve me...it was a barman AFTER he had checked my I.D. Explain that?!

Maybe it was because he was on his rag or something or maaaybe it was because he was having a bad night. I thought he was joking when he asked me for I.D (considering I had walked past 3 doormen who didn't ask me for I.D and even opened the door for me) so if your not sure about something like that...you ask don't you? I said, "Its coke...not alcohol" He said it didn't matter. I showed him the I.D, he asked if I wanted ice and I jokingly said "Do I need I.D for that too?" purely because I have never been asked for I.D for a soft drink. It was at that point that he refused to serve me. Sooooo, he had checked my I.D and would have served me a pint of lager but not a pint of coke (because unless your weird, lager shouldn't have ice in it). To work in a bar or anywhere serving the public you have to have some sort of sense of humour or you'll never last! Regardless of what I said or how I said it, I'll still be going back in and trying to order that elusive pint of coke again!! Thanks

Answer 1

As a licensee and Designated Premises Supervisor, I can tell you that you only need to prove age when you are puchasing alcohol,
BUT, there are stipulations on most Premises Licences about allowing under 18s, under 16s and under 14s into a "Bar" area (all to do with the provision of supply of a "sustantial meal, blah blah blah).
Also, we are allowed the right to refuse ANYONE who enters our trading area without giving any reason to that person, BUT, it must be a valid reason if it is taken further within the bounds of say a police enquiry.

Hope this helps...

Answer 2

The landlord can use his discretion when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks. You're not supposed to be able to enter a pub under the age of 16 unaccompanied by an adult (18+)...but some landlords will allow you to have a non-alcoholic drink if they think you look 16+.

The only time you will be asked for ID is if you look under 18 and order an alcoholic drink.

Answer 3

Perhaps he didnt like the look of you or did you get stroppy when he first refused to serve you,was your id a photocard?I cant think of any other reason as to why he would have refused to serve you after you had showed him id.Go back in the day light and speak to the manager to see if you can get it sorted out so as the same doesnt happen next time you go there..

Answer 4

I keep getting asked for ID when it comes to buying beer and other alcohol related drinks and I'm 21, although you can go in a opub aged 16+ and they can serve you soft drinks, only if you are 16 or 17 and ask for alcoholic ones will they refuse to serve you.

Answer 5

It is at the discretion of the landlord, when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks. A pub is a private place - not public, so the landlord can serve (or refuse to serve) whomever he likes.

Answer 6

It depends on what pub you go to. Some of my local pubs ask for identification even if you just want to buy a coke and something to eat if they don't think you look 18.

Answer 7

if you are under 18 and not accompanied by an adult, then you shouldn't even be in a pub. to be served at the bar you must be 18.
so yes.

Answer 8

if you are underage and without a responsible adult (not one of your older friends), then bar staff are entitled to turn you away from the bar and the pub no matter what you want to drink.

lrgally, you are not allowed to stand at the bar or be in the bar area if you are under 18

Answer 9

i think of that possibly you in easy terms had an alcoholic drink or some. Did you ask for non alcoholic beverages or did they get them for you. continuously get your very own beverages in no way enable a stranger do it.

Answer 10

You must look very young, and it is the law for the bar staff to check your indentification, as you have to look 18 years, so lucky you for not looking age.