Alcohol laws - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

WatersUK · 01-11-2006, 06:50 AM

Was just wondering the laws on drinking alcohol in the USA and Canada regarding age. im going to be 20 in the summer and want to go backpacking around these two countries, but want to go out and have a good drink while im doing it.

I think the US has a 21 age limit, what about Canada?

And, will a fake British ID saying im over 21 work?

cheers

**space virgin** · 01-11-2006, 09:22 AM

You must be 21 or over to drink (legally) in the US. You must be 19 or over to drink (legally) in Canada.

A fake British ID is worth a shot. You're most likely to get asked to show your ID at bars that cater to "younger" crowds, and also dance clubs. Any good bouncer worth his salt will be able to spot a phony US ID card from ten paces, but a British one may work. Don't count on it though. Pubs and taverns are maybe a bit less likely to ask for your ID, but you never know.

*edited to add: Actually, I'm probably wrong about that bouncer-spotting-fake-ID thing. I can spot 'em from long experience with people trying to pull the wool over my eyes, but Jake got into a bar in LA with Anthon's (kingcrazylegs) old military ID.

Although I chalk that up more to the bouncer a.) not really giving a shit and 2.) the piece of ID in question being military in nature. *shrug*

nemesis331 · 01-11-2006, 09:29 AM

give it a shot..i've workin in bars for a few years now and the more rare the ID the less likely you are to get turned away, within reason. if your british i'm sure they won't question your british ID, but if you came in with say a nebraska drivers license it would look a little odd.
your also better off if you don't go with a huge crowd of people who are using fakes or are very young. try going in with somebody a little older or alone.

good luck

xanthuos · 01-11-2006, 09:55 AM

Some Canadian provinces have a drinking age of only 18...but it doesn't matter so much since you're 20.

Since you're British, if the fake is of high-quality, you're going to probably have success...especially the smaller the city. In New York city, chances are the bouncer's seen a couple British IDs...in Nashville, TN which is one of my favorite cities, if you even GET IDed, you should be able to get in with the fake.

As SV said, you're more likely to get bouncers IDing everyone when entering a club, as opposed to ordering a drink in a restaurant or bar/pub, etc. Even if you get IDed in said bar or pub, chances are your British accent combined with bad teeth (ok, just a little joke) will make it convincing enough to get served with your fake.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-11-2006, 10:20 AM

In the U.S. if you do not have a U.S. official ID then most bars will only take a passport for foreigners. That said, it doesn't hurt to try your fake as not all bars strictly adhere to the law. Good luck.

**omisan** · 01-11-2006, 11:02 AM

I've heard of 17 and 18 year olds getting into clubs with some of the toughest bouncers in California using fake French IDs...

**bluepea** · 01-11-2006, 07:03 PM

I was drinking in bars/restaurants (States) when I was 18. Some places are much easier than others.

**MeTurk** · 01-12-2006, 06:17 AM

I've heard of US cops thinking the Provisional driving liecence from Ireland was a full one. I'd give it a go, how would they know the difference?

Other than that grow a full face of hair, that never fails.

**space virgin** · 01-12-2006, 10:26 AM

I still get carded all the time and I'm 31.

Just understand that it's a crapshoot and if you look even vaguely young for your age you can pretty much count on getting asked to show ID.

**bluepea** · 01-12-2006, 11:11 AM

^^ It also depends on where you go. My girlifriend is 23, but looks about 18 and when we're out, we only get carded about 50% of the time. If we're in a smaller town (when I head to WI) never. If you have a fake, try that though. If it doesn't seem like it'll work, avoid places with bouncers.

WatersUK · 01-13-2006, 08:04 AM

Thanks everyone, some great advice and tips there.

will be in touch when i've given it a go.

http://www.photo-id.co.uk/classicrange.htm

the top id on that page (pink coloured) helped me get into pubs and bars/ served in off-licenses when i was 15 until 17 when my face started to rub off. surely some American bouncers are bound to fall for it.

anyway, once again, cheers for the advice, see you soon.

**bassgirl79** · 01-13-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xanthuos@Jan 11 2006, 09:55 AM
Some Canadian provinces have a drinking age of only 18...but it doesn't matter so much since you're 20.

Since you're British, if the fake is of high-quality, you're going to probably have success...especially the smaller the city.* In New York city, chances are the bouncer's seen a couple British IDs...in Nashville, TN which is one of my favorite cities, if you even GET IDed, you should be able to get in with the fake.

As SV said, you're more likely to get bouncers IDing everyone when entering a club, as opposed to ordering a drink in a restaurant or bar/pub, etc.* Even if you get IDed in said bar or pub, chances are your British accent combined with bad teeth (ok, just a little joke) will make it convincing enough to get served with your fake.

[snapback]98201[/snapback]

why do american always think we have bad teeth ?

**TERI** · 01-14-2006, 08:57 PM

as a bartender here in Canada, I would not except that ID. If you are not a canadian citizen, we are only suposed to accept a valid passport.

The other night I was at a raptor game (basketball), when I got my drunken self id'd, i showed them my drivers lisence and they wouldn't werve me because even thouggh im 26, my lisence was expired.

so my boss had to sneak me my first beer. then i found a new bartender to visit.

either way, just carry your passport with you in Canada, and save the fake one of course for the States.