LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

The last time I showed my I.D. as proof of age to get a drink was just after I turned 50. That was 29 years ago. And yet, I still get asked for my I.D. on occasion.

I was out and about on my Motorcycle and attending an event. There I met some young girl who was only 20, a fact that I didn't know at the time. Ooops. Anyway, we went for a ride and to another tavern for another drink. This was in a shaky area and we had to knock at the door and show our face to get bussed in. Like an old speakeasy. They recognized her and let us in. Then the bartender wanted my I. D. at 50, but not the underage girl I was with. For laughs I showed her my AARP card. She looked all over for a date and couldn't find one. I finally told her you had to be 50 to get one of those. She replied, "You're not 50." I said, "Bet me." She said, "Okay, $5." I showed her my I. D. and she slid over that $5 bill. I slid it back and said, "We'll have two beers." And the next weekend I dated the bartender. Life goes on.

It is now 29 years later. About two months ago, before they closed the bars, I was carded again. I just walked out. If they don't want my money I'll just move on. There are thousands of bars that would love my money, and bartenders who would like my tips. And this happens about once a year.

So, what is the point. At what time do we senior citizens get some respect for all of our earned wrinkles and gray hairs, aching back and sore muscles, our cane or walker, and not get disrespected trying to get a beer? I'm not a kid. I may look a lot younger then I am, but still look at least 50 with no reasonable questions about my being old enough to drink. I used to do a lot of boozing. 360+ days a year and many days over 12 hours straight. Even lately I found myself in a bar over 150 times a year. That has been a life time social life for me. I earned the right to enter a bar and my only requirement should be my ability to pay.

In Illinois, the law says you must be 21 and be able to prove it. It is not a requirement that you actually have that proof with you. It is business custom where, if there is any doubt of that ability to prove your age, they ask for your I. D. They do it normally when there is any doubt, because they can be fined for serving anyone under 21. But not required. And they can refuse service to anyone. It is their right to be cautious beyond 'any reasonable need.' And there is the issue. At what time does a business say there is 'no reasonable need' and they should respect the elderly. Many don't carry proof of age with them. Maybe because they quit driving at 70 or wh**ever.

A friend of mine, a retired cop, confirms what the law is, and has the same issue. He doesn't go drinking, but frequently goes out to diner with his wife. Grandma and Grandpa, and they look it. They occasionally get carded while ordering a glass of wine at dinner. She shows her's and isn't concerned. He, like me, refuses and has a cup of coffee instead. And it reflects in his normally good tip. At some point it becomes insulting, plain and simple.

To you youngsters amongst us, comment if you like, but remember, in 20 or 30 years, you just might also get tired of occasionally looking for an I. D., buried in your purse somewhere, maybe, or in a very thick wallet full of countless cards. It is there somewhere. Hopefully.

For the seniors amongst us, have you ever had issues with having to prove you are over 21 since you are over 50, 60, 70?
How do you feel about it?
Do you feel like I do, that is is disrespectful and an insult?
Any other commentary without the usual insults? Remember, this post is about age, not politics or C****a.

nonalien1 Loc: Mojave Desert

In some establishments ID is required by company policy. The bartender or cashier is on camera and can be fired for not asking to see it.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

I agree and understand that does happen, and the bar tenders and such are just following orders. But again, I maintain that common sense and respect for senior citizens should be the rule. Even the owners should realize that and act accordingly.

bilordinary Loc: SW Washington

Flash your concealed carry ID!

Helilord

Going through a security checkpoint at the airport
TSA lady : Sir you have to take your shoes off.
Me: No I don't, I am over 75.
TSA lady : yeah, right....
Wanted to kiss her.

woodchuck

Was asked for ID at the local supermarket when I bought some wine. I, age 76, said, "You're kidding." Cashier: "No, I'm not." I obliged but was not ID'ed at another store so I decided the next time I will just say, "OK, I'm busted, I'm only 14." and will put the wine aside.

popparod Loc: Somewhere else.

Got carded recently at the supermarket for a bottle of wine. Really torques me cause at 74 I shouldn’t have to do that anymore. I just opened my shirt and showed her the gray hair on my chest. She just smiled and let me pass.

Auntie Dee

When I was 40 or so I use to try to take it as a compliment! Yes, now it mostly annoys me. I have seen some stores that post a sign that states: "If you don't look at least 50, we may ask for ID", hurts my feelings every time because they never ask anymore!

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

When you are 19 or 20 with your phony I. D. you just want to be invisible and non confrontational and just slip by.

When you are freshly legal you are a big shot, superman and proud to show your I. D. Then by the time you are about 23, it is,'Who, me." Like you just turned 50.

Then it becomes routine. Automatic, dozens to hundreds of times a year.

At 30 it becomes a bit annoying and sometimes irritating, but you do it just to get it over with and it is not all of the time.

At 40, it is rally getting annoying, but hardly ever, unless you really have a baby face or look like a teenager.

At 50, it becomes more bull s**t then ever.

At 60, you really want to hit them in the head with a common sense hammer. I mean, you are approaching 3 times the legal age.

At 70, you look at that 20 something waitress or bartender and think I am old enough to be your grand parent. And with the older ones, their parent.

At 80, as I'm rapidly approaching, it is time to demand some respect for all of those years you put in, many maybe on a bar stool.

A few others on here have shown me, that I'm not alone. I think I will start contacting all owners of establishments that card me and refuse me entry or service because I refuse to show my I. D.

Sir:

I recently went to your establishment (Named here) for (Lunch, dinner, a drink, carry out) and was carded.
It might have been cute in my 40s, but it isn't anymore. It hasn't been for half my life. Just a totally unnecessary annoyance. I have gray hairs, balding, and age wrinkles, occasionally a limp (cane if you use one or a walker) if it is a bad day, and usually in a bit of pain as I walk. I am getting close to four times the legal age limit. It it was the Mayor or Governor or Senator that walked in, you wouldn't card them. They are younger then me. When you get my age, if you are ever so lucky, you will also be annoyed if asked for your I. D. All I want is the same respect, that any senior citizen wants and deserves. Since I didn't get it at your establishment, I see no alternative but to offer "no respect" for your establishment whenever it comes up in conversation. And If it doesn't, I'll bring it up. Along with a recommendation to not go there.

Respectively, something I wasn't offered
Mr. A. B, Cde.
Age 80

Might be fun.

Kickaha Loc: Nebraska

I'm not quite as seasoned as you, but I do agree with you. I have turned the tables on a couple of these cashiers by asking if they were old enough to ring up my purchase.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

Thanks for responding

In Illinois, if they aren't old enough, they have to call over someone who is older then 21 to scan that item, and ask for I. D. if it is reasonable. Most respect older really older citizens. Some just ask for your birth date, without checking, and enter it into the register. No problem there.

TexaCan Loc: Homeward Bound!

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