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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think DD shouldn't have been refused entry at the zoo???

132 replies

Spooksatthezoo · 21/09/2017 19:44

DD went to the zoo today (project for her degree) and was asked for ID! They said anyone under 16 needs an adult with them Confused she's 19 in November. She doesn't drive (hence doesn't just carry ID around) and got the coach there and couldn't even get in. Ridiculous.

AIBU?

OP posts:
DrKrogersfavouritepatient · 21/09/2017 20:20

Basically, it's a lesson learned and always worth checking the entry criteria/ times prices etc before turning up.

(says the woman who arrived at Peppa Pig World on a day it was closed)

Yukbuck · 21/09/2017 20:21

But sorry op I got side tracked. While I do think it's odd that she doesn't have ID. I must say I'd be really p**sed off with the zoo and if I was your DD I'd be emailing the zoo and putting in a formal complaint. No joke.

Original poster
Spooksatthezoo · 21/09/2017 20:21

Oh and it's a school day. Why would a school girl be going there on her own on a day like today?

OP posts:
Yukbuck · 21/09/2017 20:22

What zoo is this? Or could you be vague. I live near one and would be interested to know if it's the same one. They have been getting a lot of bad press recently for other things.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 21/09/2017 20:23

Well, it's a pity, but part of doing an academic project involves checking what you need beforehand.

It irritates me enormously that, to go to certain libraries, I need a written letter of introduction from a colleague, confirming I am basically trustworthy. I am a lot older than your DD. But it's the way things are. You learn what paperwork is needed, even if you think that paperwork is daft. It's hard, because initially you think, FFS, I'm doing a grown-up project and isn't it obvious? But, of course, it isn't obvious to everyone.

DrKrogersfavouritepatient · 21/09/2017 20:23

Oh and it's a school day. Why would a school girl be going there on her own on a day like today?
It's really not the job of the zoo staff to ponder these things.
If there is no rule that under sixteens must be accompanied then they were unreasonable to not let her in without ID.
If the rule exists they were not unreasonable to enforce them.

AlexanderHamilton · 21/09/2017 20:24

Yuk - there is no requirement to carry your driving licence with you. Many people don't.

Deploycharitygoats · 21/09/2017 20:28

I feel like poor RedHelenB hasn't got enough praise for getting straight in there with an Albert and the Lion reference. Nice job Grin

EdmundCleverClogs · 21/09/2017 20:30

But @EdmundCleverClogs those are the law. Yes, she gets IDed in that situation. However, those are for if you are under 25.

I'm over 25 and still get ID'd. Just like she's over 16 and still gets ID'd. That's life. There are reasons why they have those rules in place, it's to protect her and themselves.

notacooldad · 21/09/2017 20:32

I've never carried ID ever, and I don't know anyone who does
I'd doesn't always have to have a photo on.
I have used a bank debit or credit card ( can't remember which one)and a work I'd badge for I'd fairly recently.

Original poster
Spooksatthezoo · 21/09/2017 20:33

She had her debit card

OP posts:
mirime · 21/09/2017 20:33

You could have an accident and it's an easy way for hospitals / police to identify you.

I have a purse with credit/debit cards. No other ID. I don't drive. If I know in advance I need ID I do have a passport but it's in my maiden name so I need my marriage certificate as well. I don't travel abroad so I've never wanted to spend the money to get it updated.

Sparklesocks · 21/09/2017 20:34

I wouldn't expect that OP!

Saying that, as most bars/restaurants do 'challenge 25' and ID anyone buying alcohol who look under 25, I think most young people I know carry ID out of habit.

InsomniacAnonymous · 21/09/2017 20:35

If I had to carry ID with me it could only be my passport (never driven or been a student) and I wouldn't expect to need a passport to enter the zoo.

Disn3yN3rd · 21/09/2017 20:35

I find it utterly bizarre to have been ID'd at a zoo....

Yukbuck · 21/09/2017 20:36

alexander fair enough. I am mistaken. I genuinely thought you were meant to. Friends of mine got pulled over a few years ago (spot check late at nigjt) and asked to see the driving licence. The gov website says you will be asked to show your ID but if you don't have it then you have 7 days to produce it. I personally know which one would be more hassle!

NatMatCat · 21/09/2017 20:37

Does it say on the zoo website that you need ID to visit?

It's not the law to carry ID in this country and there is absolutely no reason why somebody should habitually have ID on their person. If the zoo did not make the requirement clear than they are being extremely unreasonable.

SandyDenny · 21/09/2017 20:39

To the poster who said they don't know anyone who carries ID around with them. I'm assuming none of your friends drive anywhere then? If you are driving somewhere you should always have your ID on you in case of being pulled over by the police or an accident.
Everyone I know carries ID most of the time as standard in their purse. You could have an accident and it's an easy way for hospitals / police to identify you.
I find it odd that people don't have an ID

Are you in England yuk?

I can't think of an occasion when I've had a conversation with friends about the carrying of ID, ime it's just not part of our culture. I think it's odd that anyone over the age of needed to prove they are old enough to get into pubs and clubs carries ID specifically with the thought of needing to ID themselves iyswim. Do people routinely carry their driving licences or passports around?

wibblywobblywoo · 21/09/2017 20:39

I don't think so - Every valid point is being countered by the OP ie. DD doesn't have a bag or even a purse???

Who goes out on a trip with only a folder?? What zoo doesn't have a concession price for students? What girl doesn't, by the age of 18, have a bag with all their stuff in? What student doesn't carry their ID around in their wallet, and takes that wallet with them when they leave the house....? Confused

SoPassRemarkable · 21/09/2017 20:41

You can get debit cards at 11yo, dds looks the same as mine....you wouldn't know it's a junior debit card. Just bog standard Barclays visa.

AlexanderHamilton · 21/09/2017 20:42

Out of interest I just checked Chester Zoo. They say no unacompanied under 14's but it's tucked away on an obscure page notvwith their buy ticket info.

TheHungryDonkey · 21/09/2017 20:42

YANBU. If they want Id to prove age I don't have any and never carry any at nearly 40. No driving license and no passport either.

Rosieposy4 · 21/09/2017 20:44

Yuk, i drive everywhere and do not have id on me. I do not even possess a photo driving licence as i have not moved or changed my details since they were introduced, therefore I don't need one.
If i was on my way to work i would have my work id, but i would not expect that to be universally recognised anyway.

ForgivenessIsDivine · 21/09/2017 20:52

ID for the pub, sure, ID to buy a scratch card, sure, ID to ask for a student discount, again, no problem. ID to prove you are old enough to get into the Zoo... crackers, it will become a legend.

PeapodBurgundy · 21/09/2017 20:52

I'm surprised at how many people are so adamant that everyone needs to carry ID. I don't own photo ID and never have Confused

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