Why do people get bent out of shape over ID?

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 12:37AM #1

I've spent many a year working in customer service and shops of all sorts (not at the minute, and hopefully never again) and one thing that I could never fathom was the unadulterated rage that some people display when asked to present ID for alcohol/cigarette purchases. Why is it so difficult to carry ID with you? I generally always tried my best not to ask anyone unless necessary but some people (especially women) could be anywhere from 16 to 30 years of age depending on size, make-up, lack of facial hair etc.. A co-worker of mine was fired on the spot for selling wine to an under-age girl that the Gardaí sent in, and the company was also fined so I always erred on the side of caution.

Do people have hang ups about carrying ID around with them?
I have had my Garda ID or my driver license with me at all times since I was 18. I don't think it is an inconvenience as I just keep them in my wallet, which I always have with me anyway.

pharmaton · 06-11-2013 12:39AM

is it because you get to see their ugly pic? people like to hide those photos away in places where they can't be discovered mostly.

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 12:42AM

pharmaton wrote: »

is it because you get to see their ugly pic? people like to hide those photos away in places where they can't be discovered mostly.

The sour look on their face when asked in the first place doesn't do them any favours either

cmore123 · 06-11-2013 12:42AM

I worked in an industry which required ID to be shown on a regular basis, and not just that but photocopied. Few complained because they expected it and they knew we were simply not allowed to have any dealings with them at all otherwise. If shops which sell drink and fags rigidly insisted on ID all the time maybe people might have a greater expectation of it...? I know some are very meticulous about this, but it must vary.

shruikan2553 · 06-11-2013 12:44AM

I found growing a beard is an acceptable form of ID for most places. Tesco is a pain for ID, they want passport or garda ID. Wont accept student card like everywhere else or even a driving licence.

Gee Bag · 06-11-2013 12:46AM

shruikan2553 wrote: »

I found growing a beard is an acceptable form of ID for most places. Tesco is a pain for ID, they want passport or garda ID. Wont accept student card like everywhere else or even a driving licence.

True, no one ever asks a bearded lady for ID.

Thoie · 06-11-2013 12:47AM

I come from an age group where there was no garda id. Unless you're driving, there's no obligation in this country to carry any id with you on a daily basis, and not everyone has a driving license anyway. Few adults carry passports around.

In your example of women looking anywhere between 16-30, that means a 30 year old gets a call from her husband saying he's invited some people for dinner, asks her to pick up a bottle of wine on her way home. She's already stressed and tired, runs into the first place she sees to buy a bottle, and is then foiled, due to not having ID. She understands that you're just doing your job, but on the other hand she's 30 years old and can't even buy a bloody bottle of wine on a whim.

As someone who is over 30, I'd feel weird getting a garda ID, as I see it as something for people who've just turned 18.

I think some of the problem as well is that it's a bit random. I was asked for ID about 2 years ago, having never been asked before in my life - not even when I was a teenager. As it happens, I had some ID outside in the car, but if I hadn't I'd have been a bit peeved, as it's not something I usually have to plan for.

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 12:50AM

shruikan2553 wrote: »

I found growing a beard is an acceptable form of ID for most places. Tesco is a pain for ID, they want passport or garda ID. Wont accept student card like everywhere else or even a driving licence.

Men are only tricky if they have no facial hair (as in they can't grow it, I don't mean clean shaven). A good beard gets you places. I can understand a shop not accepting student ID and driving licenses tbf. They are easy to forge in many cases (Driving licenses are a joke, the sooner everyone is equipped with the newer design, the better imo).

Nabber · 06-11-2013 12:51AM

Why do people say they worked in an 'industry'... Is it a fooking secret?

People obsessed with their role/position in work are more annoying than people who don't carry ID.

Mickey H · 06-11-2013 12:55AM

Nabber wrote: »

Why do people say they worked in an 'industry'... Is it a fooking secret?

People obsessed with their role/position in work are more annoying than people who don't carry ID.

It's just a turn of phrase.

Muise... · 06-11-2013 12:55AM

I'm in my late thirties. I nearly kissed the young one at the till who asked me for ID last month. (I didn't have any on me; I'd say my incredulous laughter proved my age.)

poundapunnet · 06-11-2013 12:56AM

I occasionally still get ID'd even though I'm in my mid twenties, it is annoying if it's for cigarettes because I'm a dirty addict and I need my fix. My biggest problem is when I have ID on me but because I'm not asked for ID that often it might just be a work or college one (I don't drive) and they can't take it, even though it has my photo on it and says I'm 24. That said I know it's not the fault of the person behind the counter, I'll just go somewhere else. Have no idea where people think they're going to get roaring and shouting.

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 12:57AM

Thoie wrote: »

I come from an age group where there was no garda id. Unless you're driving, there's no obligation in this country to carry any id with you on a daily basis, and not everyone has a driving license anyway. Few adults carry passports around.

In your example of women looking anywhere between 16-30, that means a 30 year old gets a call from her husband saying he's invited some people for dinner, asks her to pick up a bottle of wine on her way home. She's already stressed and tired, runs into the first place she sees to buy a bottle, and is then foiled, due to not having ID. She understands that you're just doing your job, but on the other hand she's 30 years old and can't even buy a bloody bottle of wine on a whim.

As someone who is over 30, I'd feel weird getting a garda ID, as I see it as something for people who've just turned 18.

I think some of the problem as well is that it's a bit random. I was asked for ID about 2 years ago, having never been asked before in my life - not even when I was a teenager. As it happens, I had some ID outside in the car, but if I hadn't I'd have been a bit peeved, as it's not something I usually have to plan for.

I know what you're saying and I understand but it really is just the way things seem to be going. My generation turned 18 around the time when garda ID's were becoming more common so I take your point on that issue. The garda ID is a bit juvenile looking but if there was some way to get a professional looking ID in the same way as you get your passport (but quicker obviously) I don't think there would be too much of a problem.

Brego888 · 06-11-2013 01:00AM

I read the thread title - why do people get bent out of shape over one direction.

Cos they are ****e that's why!

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 01:01AM

Brego888 wrote: »

I read the thread title - why do people get bent out of shape over one direction.

Cos they are ****e that's why!

Great bunch of lads, always have their ID's handy

The Backwards Man · 06-11-2013 01:08AM

I think everyone should be microchipped. No need for carrying ID, cash, or passport, make life a whole lot easier.

Stabshauptmann · 06-11-2013 01:12AM

shruikan2553 wrote: »

I found growing a beard is an acceptable form of ID for most places. Tesco is a pain for ID, they want passport or garda ID. Wont accept student card like everywhere else or even a driving licence.

I doubt Tesco refuse drivers license. One staff member might of at one time, but its not their policy.

Stabshauptmann · 06-11-2013 01:16AM

thecatspjs wrote: »

I can understand a shop not accepting student ID and driving licenses tbf.

Driving license must be accepted as proof of age for the purpose of selling alcohol in Ireland.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1988 section 34 A.

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 01:17AM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I think everyone should be microchipped. No need for carrying ID, cash, or passport, make life a whole lot easier.

When I become the supreme dictator of Ireland that will be one of my first moves, right after I ban pineapple on pizzas and just before enlist everyone into the military.

thecatspjs · 06-11-2013 01:20AM

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

Driving license must be accepted as proof of age for the purpose of selling alcohol in Ireland.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1988 section 34 A.

I see, I have heard that Superquinn don't accept them so that's interesting. That is baffling though, considering they are possibly the most easily tampered with forms of identification in existence.

COYVB · 06-11-2013 01:28AM

Thoie wrote: »

there's no obligation in this country to carry any id

And there's no obligation for anywhere to serve you something with an age limit, or let you into their licensed premises, without id

Eutow · 06-11-2013 01:39AM

The problem here is that if people don't have a driving licence, the only other form of ID is a passport, and who wants to carry a passport with them to buy cigs or beer.

Ireland should have a national ID card system like most other European countries. It will be small like a credit card, so it fits easily into a wallet. It will come in handy if you are asked for ID going into pubs or clubs and off-licences both here and abroad.

R.D. aka MR.D · 06-11-2013 02:01AM

I'm just back from the US and they would say 'Help me keep my job today and show me your ID' when buying alcohol. It's a lot harder to get annoyed when some one phrases it like that.

However, i agree that it's annoying to get asked for ID past a certain age but maybe a better way of approaching the customer about it would be better. I've worked in retail for years and understand that an irate customer is worse than hell and the only time that i've ever lost my temper in a shop is when some wagon in Tesco asked me for Id and made a big song and dance about it and then wouldn't accept my driving licence. i felt bad afterwards but she was just being rude about it.

looking_around · 06-11-2013 02:36AM

Eutow wrote: »

The problem here is that if people don't have a driving licence, the only other form of ID is a passport, and who wants to carry a passport with them to buy cigs or beer.
.

There's the garda card. There's no max age to get that, just have to be over 18.

I totally understand not wanting to carry around a passport, but the age card is just a tenner, it's credit card size, no reason not to get one, unless you're one of those who "believe" it's just for the "young 'ns". :rolleyes:

Eutow · 06-11-2013 02:45AM

looking_around wrote: »

There's the garda card. There's no max age to get that, just have to be over 18.

I totally understand not wanting to carry around a passport, but the age card is just a tenner, it's credit card size, no reason not to get one, unless you're one of those who "believe" it's just for the "young 'ns". :rolleyes:

The Garda card looks amateurish. I think a national ID card is better because you could use it to prove your age, open bank accounts, etc, and you can also use it abroad if you want to go into a club, by drink etc, something you can't do with a Garda card.

FizzleSticks · 06-11-2013 03:27AM

This post has been deleted.

Uaru · 06-11-2013 03:43AM

I have never carried ID. Who brings around their passport/drivers licence when they're on the lash? I have also never had problems getting served since I was 15 though so it's never been a problem. It has also got me out of a couple of Garda fines.

Cookie_Monster · 06-11-2013 04:29AM

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I doubt Tesco refuse drivers license. One staff member might of at one time, but its not their policy.

it's at least 7 years ago now that I worked in a Tesco offo but it certainly was policy then to point blank refuse driving licences.

The new credit card style licences should make it much handier all round, fit in your wallet so you'll always have it when paying for drink anyway and don't look near as amateur

Lapin · 06-11-2013 04:48AM

R.D. aka MR.D wrote: »

I'm just back from the US and they would say 'Help me keep my job today and show me your ID' when buying alcohol. It's a lot harder to get annoyed when some one phrases it like that.

If a staff member in a shop/pub in Ireland said that, most customers here would just laugh and say 'wud ya fuk off outa that and don't be talkin shíte with yourself - how much for the naggin'?

Jester252 · 06-11-2013 04:56AM

Only started to carry ID on me at all time due to the new driver licence. Only every been asked for ID when buying over 18 games.

Talula_d · 06-11-2013 05:06AM

Generally I don't mind being asked for ID but what really took the biscuit with me lately, I was in an off license to pick up a bottle of baileys for a neighbour of mine, and was asked for ID... What got me was I'm in my 20's and I was 38 weeks pregnant, I know I surely didnt look like a 17 year old almost 9 months pregnant person and I was actually disgusted with the cashier as she looked delighted with herself asking me for ID!

Why do people get bent out of shape over ID?

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