I don't know, Austin, and I'm wondering if I'm the only one who is really getting offended that no one has asked me for my ID in years!!!

They've been arresting bartenders and grocery clerks in the DC area recently for failing to card for alcohol.

I had a guy/kid in a convenience store ask me for my ID when buying beer. I'm 45. I told him he made my day. (Didn't hug him. The counter was too large)

I think everyone has already made the point to SallyB that "carding" is becoming more and more of an accepted activity in the US, regardless of one's appearance.

But I got the impression from her post that she was almost more upset about the way it was done, than the actual requirement itself. It's very likely that if the bartender and then the manager had taken the time to say something like gee, we're real sorry to have to inconvenience you, but we've been hit with a lot of regulations lately and have to follow the rules to protect our license and we hope you'll understand--she might have felt differently. I know that if it had happened to me, I might still not be thrilled with the result, but I wouldn't be left with a feeling of resentment.

Thanks to all the posters who have responded to my posting.

JudyL I think you are spot on!

Firstly, to not be asked anywhere else in any other bar/restaurant in the city during our entire trip (our Giordanos experience was our penultimate night), highlights the inconsistancy of establishments asking for ID.

I respect the laws of every country I visit, but this does not appear to be a law! If it was, we would have been carded everywhere we went.

I actually think it's not such a bad policy! Why? Because if we did this in the UK then we wouldn't have the 'lager lout' culture that we have now. However, to prevent problems with underage drinking, the law should be consistant - every place 'cards' or no-one does!!!!

It was basically the attitude of the guys in the restaurant - they were rude, almost aggressive and gave absolutely no explanation - if you knew what you had all told me before we came out, we would have some ID. Next time we visit we will carry some form of ID with us.

Finally, a message to Travleis - you appear to have a massive French Fry on your shoulder. What on Earth do you mean the UK decry all restaurants that card people? I think you've lost the plot somewhere - I should go and have a lie down, you obviously get very wound up very easily!!!!!!!

Sorry! Previous posting should have read:

if we knew what you had all told me before we came out, we would have some ID.

I don't know about the city, but at the Chicago O'Hare airport, ALL the bars check ID 100% of the time. It doesn't matter how young or old you look. About 2/3 years ago, while connecting through O'Hare, I was actually flattered to be asked for an ID by a good looking young lady, until I saw their ID policy sign. Since then I actually love to sit at a Chicago airport bar when connecting through, order a beer and watch the surprise on older travelers faces when they try to place an order. It's quite entertaining really when granpa or grandma gets asked for an id, but I guess it's the law.

Isn't the title/header of this post a bit extreme?
"Boycott Giordano's because they card people and the managment gets nasty of you argue with them" is what I'm reading between the lines.

I'm not sure what the issue is.

The 'check everybody' system is lots better than selective ID'ing. On no planet would I look less than 18, yet when I go out I have to show my ID all the time. Do I mind? No, why would I? Who cares?

I'd like to share an experience I had a few years ago in London, where I wished bartenders not only carded but also cut people off. We had gone to a show, stopped for a sandwich and were heading into the tube just when the pubs closed at 11 p.m. All of the unruly, drunk patrons were heading to the clubs and nearly killed me going down the steps. I was terrified. Carding & cutting off would have been a good thing!