Bar staff insider: proof of ID and how to deal with those who haven't got it

With Freshers’ Week still in the minds of bar staff up and down the country, asking customers for ID can drop you into a sticky situation.

You are often faced with a look of disgust when asking that fateful question: “Can I see some ID please?”

Baby-faced

Then comes the whinging and sighing while the baby-faced customer empties the entire contents of fluff-filled pockets onto the bar to find that magical photographic evidence to prove they are in fact over 18.

But mysteriously, they seem to have left it at home. Unfortunately for them, no amount of promising they are of legal drinking age or showing me their library card will do.

Infuriated

When refused alcohol at the bar, the now infuriated teen strops off even as I thank them for coming and offer them a soft drink alternative, while what I want to say is, sorry pal, I’m just doing my job as, funnily enough, I don’t fancy getting fined thousands or playing a part in the pub losing its licence just because you have the face of a 12-year-old.