I wasn't even drinking last night, but was not allowed in to a beer garden with friends after our "holiday lights run" because I didn't have my ID with me. I'm in my 40's and there's no way I am passing for anywhere near 21. :-)

That happens to me on occasion, too. Sometimes establishments go into "everybody must show ID" mode. When it happens I hand over my ID with a chuckle as I observe that one of my former college roommates has kids who are old enough to drink.

I'm in SAN with a friend right now.

He has a NEXUS card and BC driver's license.

Every bar is hassling him.

So it wasn't just the one bar.

I have California I'd now though :)

Neither document meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code §25660.

No bar is going to risk the suspension of its alcohol license by accepting an identification document that does not meet the provisions of that Business and Professions code section.

Does your friend have his Canadian passport with him? Foreign and US passports are specifically listed as "bona fide evidence of majority and identity of the person."

I'm aware of the rules. Just posting an update.

He does not have his passport. You can drive from Vancouver to San Diego without a passport.

No bar has actually refused. It's just been a hassle.

I have never had this issue in SFO, nor has he.

I'm not complaining, just stating more experiences.

They're also really analyzing my CA ID here. Not a half second glance at the birthday like I'm accustomed to.

San Diego has a major US naval base and a lot of underaged sailors with phony ID's that they use to try to get into bars.

Bingo! Since ID cards are a lot less common than drivers licenses or military IDs, they often get a second or third look. Back in the mists of time, when I was a LEO, we had a large military facility in my area and we, along with the drinking establishments, were pretty careful as well. The bars can get in a fair amount of trouble if they are not.

Truly pathetic of the establishment and a terrible indictment of the culture that permits such impediments to freedom.

On the safe side, I think they are supposed to card anyone who looks under 30. My wife still get carded at 40+ at restaurants. She was very happy about that until I told her that the waiter/waitress probably just doing that for a bigger tips. :D