Not served alcohol with a meal.

[GingerFreaker]

I'm slightly miffed today.

We went out to lunch. We being grandparents, myself and 19 year old grandson. We booked a table. We ordered a bottle of wine with our meal. They refused to give the strapping 19 year old a glass, because of challenge 25, and the twit did not take his driving licence.

It stupidly "spoilt" a lovely long planned meet up.

Since we can legally buy a 16 year old alcohol with a meal, am I right to be annoyed it was refused today?

A pub chain, if it makes any difference.

I got refused trying to buy 2 breakfasts and 2 coffees at 10am in a wetherspoons once.

I didn't have my ID on me and you aren't allowed up to the bar area if under 18 in spoons.

I had to get my (younger than me) boyfriend to go up and buy them.

@sue20

This is confusing. If as obvious adults you order alcohol and are paying for it how does it impact an ambiguity around your grandson? He is one member of the party. Are the waiters watching and if you give a half glass to him the establishment takes issue?? You are an obviously adult party. Surely around legal situation the assumed under age one person does not affect the party drinking? Gosh I remember children being given a little sip at table by adults. They pulled faces. Must be a law I’ve not heard of.

Must be, because the alternative is that a grown adult is really that thick, which I dont want to believe is the case.

If you are (really) still confused I suggest you google the law around Proxy Sales and their effect on the person who sells the alcohol.

This happened to us on a Mother's day meal - my mum rarely goes out for a meal, let alone has a drink with one so it was a special meal that was slightly ruined because half the party couldn't have some wine (both me and my sister were refused).

My mum was annoyed about the wine so it put a downer on the meal.

Although I have worked behind bars so know that's the rules and it was my fault for not bringing my ID

Pub was surely at fault? It is perfectly legal for a reponsible adult to purchase a glass if wine, beer or cider for a 16+ young person provided they're consuming it alongside a meal. How many 16 year olds have a driving licence?
I had this once when taking my son out from school for Sunday lunch. Server was very young and was doing what they thought was correct. I politely asked for a word with the manager and it was all resolved very quickly and son got his glass of wine. Not a pub chain though, private hotel.

Both my DCs and all their friends have had I'd since they were 16. They know that they need it for all sorts - child rates, cinema, gigs and yes, drinking with a meal.

Pub do not have to serve 16yo, even if it is legal when bought by an adult. But they certainly don't have to serve it if the child cannot prove they are 16+.

Blimey you’ve been hung drawn and quartered here for saying it spoilt your lunch, I think you were just using a bit of hyperbole because you felt miffed. I hear you, it’s very irritating and a bit silly of the pub but those are the rules now 🤷🏼‍♀️

It's up to the establishment to decide what their rules are. Just because it's legal doesn't mean they have to allow it.

At our favourite pub/restaurant they will only allow 19yo DS one pint even with ID, which I imagine is because they know what happens if 19yo's drinking isn't restricted and they prefer not to have that going on in their establishment - thus improving things for everyone.

You can of course choose to go somewhere less rigorous, but I bet you wouldn't like the place as much.

On the one occasion DS forgot his ID, it really didn't spoil anything for anyone though and he learned his lesson and now takes responsibility for remembering.

There are rules, let it go. No-one needs to get upset about this it's only alcohol and there are other ways of 'enjoying' a meal. Food, conversation etc. Thankfully I can't remember an occasion when friends and family have got upset because I refused a glass of wine.

YABU I’m afraid. They were being cautious, and your DGS should have taken his ID.

Pub was surely at fault?

No. The 19 year old didn't take his proof of age with him. The onus is on the customer to prove they are of legal age to drink. The consequence for serving someone underage can be severe - including fines for the server and the establishment, as well as potentially losing their licence.

Simply having a driving licence isn't enough. They actually have to show it to the person that is serving them, if they look under 25. He clearly does.

Or you could just accept these things happen sometimes and not let it ruin your day