For SimoneSassett, it would be virtually impossible for anybody to use their credit card in the UK if ID was required, as Sam says, there is no identity card and the driving licence does not carry a picture unless you ask for it. What else can you show them!

What used to be asked for was a Cheque guarantee card that you showed when writing out a cheque for more than 50 GBP but who does that now.

THe old UK driving licence does have a date of birth on it, but it is done in almost an encrypted way that makes it very difficult for people to work out the date.

I have had friends who were in their 40's and have been asked for ID and they have used their passports and the bar man has refused to serve them as it wasn't a driving licence!

Geordie

Depending on the bar/club, if you look over 30 you usually won't have any problems. Even so, better to have picture ID with you. (And, no, not a copy. I doubt that would be acceptable, though a copy in the room might expedite service if the original is lost.)

Also, if you plan on purchasing items witha credit card, more and more stores are also asking for picture ID before ringing up the sale, so you will probably need it there as well. It might be a bit unusual for you, but Americans are used to having some form of ID on them almost all the time.

It just sounds so strange to hear some one from Europe worried about where to keep their passport, as this is usually something fervently discussed by Americans going to Europe! I guess it truly is an international dilemma!

So Kuku, according to that regulation, all foreigners would NOT be able to present valid identification as their identification is not US!! That is, by far, the stupidest thing I have ever heard.

Okay, this looks like a dead discussion, BUT for the record, I have worked in bars as a bouncer for 5 years. During that time, it is often my job to verify age. The Alcolholic Beverage Control agency here has a class called LEAD (licensee education on alcohol and drugs) that is free for all of us that work in the industry. In that class they tell us that a physical description is necessary. VERY RARELY do passports contain a physical description, and as such, many places will not accept them as valid. US Military ID comes in two forms. The white one is NOT acceptable because the physical description is encoded on a computer chip. The one issued for family, retired, etc. contains a written description.
THAT SAID, we all undertsand the differences among countries and try to be accommodating. My recommendation is that noone take it personally if you are asked to present proof of age, and you cannot, or cannot provide a satisfactory form. It is WAY more important in bars and clubs than in restaurants. You have to understand that the liability (and fines) fall with everyone including, owners, bartenders, waitresses, and door man (if he checks id's). Fines are often in the thousands of dollars, so we are very judicious.