I don't know what the age is in Japan.

In the UK you can drink in a restaurant with a meal, or in a private residence, with your parents/guardian at 16. The age limit for buying alcohol is 18.

 

Having said that, it is much easier to get served in the UK when you are under age than in the US.

I was asked for ID in the US many times when I was about 32 !!!!

 

I had the same problem James, I used to go to bars here when I was about 16 and never got checked for ID, everywhere I went in the US I would get checked though.

 

I know that in the UK the reason for the difference is that the law says that it is an offence to serve someone who "appears" to be under 18. Which means if you look old enough, there is no need for them to check your ID. In the US, I believe, the law says it is an offence to serve anyone who "is" under the age of 21 (most states anyway).

This means that the bar owner is liable even if you appear to be over 21.

I just couldn't believe that at 32 I was still being asked my age !!!

 

It took a while to get used to, I went to a casino in Niagra falls and they asked for ID from the people that I used to live with!
And Bob is in his late 50's!!!!

 

Now that is just freaky !!!!

Someone on a power trip or something do you think ??

 

I think because they ask it so much it just becomes part of the job and they don't even bother to look at the people they ask.

Funny thing here is that all the clubs they ID guys but will let any girl in.

 

that's pretty much the same in England ...... does mean you get some cute young girls in the clubs though ....

 

ha

my friends brother recently turned 21...

that day he went into liquor store hoping to be carded (after hoping not to for a few years )

he didnt get carded...he was pissed

 

other than that...for me at least its easy to purchase alcohol from corner store (ie 40, beer, etc) but neigh impossible from liquor store...

since I dont like beer that sucks

who wants to go buy me some tequila?