Unfiltered Story #237772

I am the customer in this story. I am on vacation with some family and friends in Ireland. I am 27, and I look like I’m in my early 20s. At home, I am carded often at bars and liquor stores, since most have a policy to card anyone looking younger than 40. While I have been to Ireland in the past, this is the first time I have been of legal drinking age. It is a VERY crowded, busy, and noisy bar. I offer to buy the next round of drinks, so I go to approach the counter. We are both shouting over the loud band playing right next to us, not to mention we have different accents (I can understand most accents no problem, but not in this loud of a setting).

Bartender: Next!
Me: Hi, can I get a [beer 1] and a [beer 2]?
Bartender: *pours drinks* *says something inaudible*
Me: How much?
Bartender: *inaudible*
Me: I’m sorry, what? *leans closer*
Bartender: *inaudible*
Me: I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you. What was that? How much?
Bartender: *inaudible*
At this time, it looked like her lips said something about an ID.
Me: *shows her my ID*
Bartender: *looks at me oddly* Why are you giving me your ID?
Me: I thought you asked for it. I’m sorry, I can’t hear well. How much was it?
Bartender: *repeats inaudible price figure*
Me: I don’t know what you’re saying. Here you go. *hands her a €20 note*
Bartender: *gives change*
Me: I’m sorry about that.

I walk to my group with the drinks.

Me: That was so stressful!
Uncle: Why? What was the matter?
Me: I thought she was asking for my ID, so I gave it to her. Then she said, “why are you giving me your ID?” I couldn’t hear what she was saying, so I just gave her a large enough bill to cover the cost. She must think I’m so stupid.
Aunt (who had lived in this country for 25 years before moving to the US): Yeah, they never ask for ID here. Put that thing away.

True to her word, I was never carded on the whole trip. Only one friend was carded who was 19 and trying to get into a club at 1AM. I’ll know for next time.