# Some Passing Thoughts about Showing ID to Buy Alcohol **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** beer\ **Created:** [August 27, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588 "2026-08-27T03:16:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/61 "2026-08-27T19:46:11Z")
Here is my personal driver’s license anecdote. California drivers licenses back in the day were basically thick paper with your picture and information printed on it. My birthdate (slightly modified) was rendered as 12-21-63. If I were born in February it would have been 02-21-63. I covered the leading 1 so it looked like 2-21-63. I used it dozens of times to be able to drink nearly a year early. Not a single person noticed. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/62 "2026-08-27T19:51:12Z")
I’m telling. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/63 "2026-08-27T19:53:22Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > What gets me angry- Target, which insists on scanning my ID to sell a bottle of wine to my AARP self. I have had several instances where I handed over my ID to be scanned by such a system. It doesn’t recognize a passport card. I mean WTF? It’s only the most universal US ID available. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/64 "2026-08-27T20:22:33Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Target, which insists on scanning my ID to sell a bottle of wine to my AARP self. The only information contained on the bar code/magnetic strip of a drivers license is the same as what is printed on the front. If you pay by CC or use your phone number/saver’s card they have the same information anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/65 "2026-08-27T20:30:39Z")
Bingo. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/66 "2026-08-27T20:46:09Z")
This all amuses me. “Land of the free”? Most UK colleges have a licensed student bar that sells booze at lower prices than the local pubs. The theory is that they are less likely to get into or cause trouble if they are on campus. Shops are not allowed to sell alcohol to under eighteens, but if I park my car with my teenage children in it outside the shop, they would have no problem selling anything to me. They only ask for proof of age if you look as if you might be under eighteen. Also, if I take my 14-year-old granddaughter out to dinner, I can buy her a glass of wine quite legally. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/67 "2026-08-27T21:28:57Z")
We had a plague of religious nutbags from the very start. And they go forth and multiply. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/68 "2026-08-27T22:00:36Z")
^ – this. If you want idiocy, go to any of the ‘dry’ counties across southern states (my experience being Texas panhandle) where they’re prideful about local ordinances banning alcohol and other “sins” but every one (including most of the churchy folk) drive an extra 10 miles to the megastores just over the county line and get crates of stuff at the _drive-through window_ and half of them are having a first beer **while driving back** while the local LEO looks the other way. Religious “pride” and NIMBY combined with blatant hypocrisy, not to mention obvious and predictable risks to public safety. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/69 "2026-08-27T22:24:21Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > The only information contained on the bar code/magnetic strip of a drivers license is the same as what is printed on the front. If you pay by CC or use your phone number/saver’s card they have the same information anyway. When i pay with my CC, the merchant can not see my DoB or my address, or especially, my Drivers License number. DoD, Full Name, and DLN? All you need to steal ID. And it is my right to not patronize their business. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/70 "2026-08-27T22:38:19Z")
That is true and it is their right not to sell to you if you don’t allow ID scans. Alcohol is a privilege not a right. I repeat no one is tracking, selling, or stealing your info. Whatever, I know I cannot convince you of that, but it is the truth. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/71 "2026-08-27T22:45:28Z")
> [@Sylvanz](#): > > repeat no one is tracking, selling, or stealing your info. Whatever, I know I cannot convince you of that, but it is the truth. Are you perhaps a senior executive of target? > **[2013 Target Data Breach: What Happened, Cost, Timeline and Cybersecurity Lessons](https://redriver.com/security/target-data-breach)** > > The Target data breach in 2013 was a massive information leak. How did Target handle the data breach and what can we learn about these incidents? > **Quick answer:** The 2013 Target data breach began with credentials stolen from a third-party HVAC contractor. Attackers used that foothold to enter Target’s environment, move toward point-of-sale systems, install malware and exfiltrate payment card data. The breach was initially believed to involve about 40 million Target credit and debit card accounts. Target later acknowledged that the attack had also exposed contact and identifying information for as many as 70 million individuals. A U.S. Senate Commerce Committee staff analysis later highlighted weak third-party security, missed intrusion alerts, and insufficient isolation of sensitive network assets as apparent missed opportunities to stop the attack… > Names, mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses for up to 70 million individuals So, Target was indeed tracking buyers info- and it got stolen from them. So, " > [@Sylvanz](#): > > no one is tracking, selling, or stealing your info is false. Shoppers personal info _was tracked_, and _was stolen._ and it seems to have happened again- > **[Target may have suffered another damaging data leak as hackers claim 8.6GB haul](https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/target-may-have-suffered-another-damaging-data-leak-as-hackers-claim-8-6gb-haul)** > > Hackers claim to have nabbed Target source code, but some experts are skeptical ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/72 "2026-08-27T23:03:28Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Religious “pride” and NIMBY combined with blatant hypocrisy, Reminds me of the old joke: > **Q** : If you take a Mormon fishing, how do you keep him from drinking all your beer? > **A** : Take a second Mormon. Of course you can substitute a lot of other flavors of Xian in there and it’s equally applicable. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/73 "2026-08-28T01:03:02Z")
Some stores (or chains) have decided to implement a “no tolerance” policy (=local Wal-Mart) and ALWAYS card an alcohol purchaser, even taking a photo of the ID presented as part of the purchase. A personal anecdote from back when things were a little more lenient. When I was 20, and itching to be just a little older, I took my Missouri DL – printed by a computer, with no photo – and carefully modified it to be 2 years older. It always passed inspection. But I get ahead of myself. When I turned 21, and since driver licenses didn’t include a photo, Missouri began a special program of IDs. They were intended to be unambiguous and in that state, were the only truly valid verification of age. So I got one. Now I have an ID that is unquestionably a good verification of my age, and one fake one that is not. I was in a bar in another state, got carded, and I presented the high-quality Missouri ID. The waitress said, “Oh, we don’t accept those; they’re too easily forged.” She would only accept the fake driver’s license one! ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/74 "2026-08-28T01:34:51Z")
No. Most are. Some are not. Heineken 0.0 is, as the label says, 0.0%. I still get carded for that. There are a few other beers that are 0.0. Budweiser 0 is 0.0%, too. Probably some others. I get carded for all of those. Meanwhile, if you want to get drunk and not have to show ID (and I’m a recovering alcoholic, so I knew workarounds when I wanted to get a fix to stave off the shakes early Sunday mornings when you can’t sell alcohol around here), there’s vanilla (about $3.50 at the Aldi for 2oz.), which is basically 70 proof liquor and you can get cooking wine, which is still drinkable at 1.5% salt and 12% ABV (sometimes even higher). You’ll want to take it with some extra water, but it’s not not potable. (No, I never did resort to mouthwash or anything like that–too much other crap to worry about.) ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/75 "2026-08-28T01:47:41Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > When i pay with my CC, the merchant can not see my DoB or my address Yes, but if you show your DL they type in your DoB (at least where I buy alcohol) and they can combine that with my CC info to get everything, with the exception of my DLN. I don’t think the DLN is a critical piece of Personally Identifiable Information - but I could easily be wrong there. There’s no doubt that it is PII of some worth. > [@DrDeth](#): > > And it is my right to not patronize their business. Absolutely, and I don’t hold it against people who pay in cash to avoid tracking as well. Different squids for different kids. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/76 "2026-08-28T02:30:24Z")
Sigh … I’m aware of the issues at Target. I’m referring to the pretty basic info scanned from your ID for alcohol purchase. Gas stations are not stealing or selling your basic info on your ID. Gas stations/convenience stores are not Target. You reveal and endanger your info much more everytime you run your card or use tap to pay. Hey, but you do you. I don’t know what you’ll do when all retail uses ID scan. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/77 "2026-08-28T04:33:40Z")
I live in Pennsylvania where all the liquor stores are government run. I did have a fake ID when I was underage, but was always afraid to set foot in a liquor store because I naturally assumed I’d be caught because it was _the government_. Twenty first birthday roles around and I go into one to buy a bottle of wine; didn’t get carded. 🤨 Even now when supermarkets and gas stations can sell beer and wine private retailers seem to be much stricter about carding that state stores. Then again the Liquor Control Board can’t fine itself! ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/78 "2026-08-28T08:12:05Z")
Uhh, no you can’t legally buy a 14 year old a glass of wine legally in a restaurant in the UK. The exception allowing a glass of wine, beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant to be purchased by an accompanying adult is for a child age [16+](https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law). The UK laws are not very different except for the age limit; there’s a weird situation where, while it’s completely legal for you to give your child alcohol so long as they’re over the age of 5 (I don’t want to know why this limit was set) it’s _not_ legal for the shop to sell it you if they know or reasonably suspect you’re going to give it to a child. The seller can be fined for allowing a proxy sale if it’s obvious to a reasonable observer that’s likely the case. Teenagers sitting in the car outside while an adult comes in? No reason to suspect it’s for them, so fine. Teenagers seen giving money to an adult outside who then comes in and buys a bottle of vodka? Sale should be refused. Teenagers picking out alcohol which an adult then brings to the till? Sale should be refused (some wiggle room if they’re, say, picking out an expensive bottle of whiskey accompanied by what looks like a parent and saying something like ‘I’m pretty sure this is the one Grandpa said he liked’). ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/79 "2026-08-28T15:59:15Z")
I thought it was 14, but I was wrong. > You can be stopped, fined or arrested by police if you’re under 18 and drinking alcohol in public. > > If you’re under 18, it’s against the law: > > - for someone to sell you alcohol > - to buy or try to buy alcohol > - for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you > - to drink alcohol in licensed premises (such as a pub or restaurant) > > However, if you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal. > > If you’re 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you’re accompanied by an adult. It can depend on the specific conditions of the premises. > > It’s illegal to give alcohol to children under 5. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588/80 "2026-08-28T17:22:21Z")
I’ve had the same sort of problem with Dollar General. They scanned my license before I even realized what was happening. I know it’s not the clerk’s fault, maybe Dollar General doesn’t retain the license data, but that can change in the future and they will sell the data to the highest bidders and customers will probably never know. I now go to mom&pop gas stations to buy beer on the rare occasions I want some. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-passing-thoughts-about-showing-id-to-buy-alcohol/1032588.md?page=5)