ID verification in coffeeshops??

[Kermit]

I recall the Hotel France asking to hang on to my passport (I'd never stop there again though - no windows in room and over 30degree heat without even a fan!) .

Hotel tried to keep hold of my passport 2!
Told them to F*ck off! No one is allowed to keep hold of your passport unless it is law enforcement. They can take a photo copy but thats it! and they had your card details and you had paid! CRAZY! I would have gone to the local cop shop to ask what they wanted to keep it m8! Then find another hotel (There plenty of em)

[HasjDreamer]

Early 40's, NEVER been asked for an ID in 8 trips over 11 years...

In Romania our tour guide requested both our passports AND our airplane tickets (to confirm our return flight info). Even though we got both back immediately there WAS that moment of terror as Augustine walked away from the wife and I with everything we needed to get back home in his hands!

[Ash333]

Early 40's, NEVER been asked for an ID in 8 trips over 11 years...

In Romania our tour guide requested both our passports AND our airplane tickets (to confirm our return flight info). Even though we got both back immediately there WAS that moment of terror as Augustine walked away from the wife and I with everything we needed to get back home in his hands!

Never trust a Romanian unless you know them really REALLY well. I know about 10 romanians in London, and they all tell you that most of their people can be dodgy at times with foreigners visiting their country. The reason? an average wage of 15% of the UK is a starting point. Don't get me wrong, some of my very close friends are Romanian and I love em to bits, but they readily admit that as a nation they are scheming mofo's. Obviously that isnt true for all, and I'm not a racist, I couldnt care less if your black white or green

Also, depending on how long ago you were there, if it was before they joined Europe then your passports were worth BIG money on the black market.


peace love etc

[NirvanaEJ]

I just found this and its kinda old so i dont know if its relevant anymore but just in case bec it has to do with c/s and ID's

Sept 2002: Coffeeshops strictly enforcing the age rule.

If there is the slightest doubt as to a person being 18 years old, acceptable identification (ID) is requested , without which service is politely refused.

No ID=No Entry, not even for a drink.
What is "acceptable ID" ?

Any laminated ID that has your photograph and Date of Birth on it, and, preferably, a hologram of some sort to prevent alteration.

These include: Passport - though it is appreciated you may not want to carry your Passport in Amsterdam for fear of loss or theft. Alternatives suggested by Coffeeshops:

Driving Licences that have Photograph on. University Student Union/Library Cards (with Photo). UK "18+Prove it" cards. USA & other countries Official Identity Cards.

http://www.tourmaster.freeuk.com/page34.htm

[ATWA]

I always use my swedish id and had no trouble,
if he has any problems finding my birth i just show them.

[rsim]

i was wondering. do they check your id at the door? or when you buy the weed?

[DaveS]

i was wondering. do they check your id at the door? or when you buy the weed?

I've seen both happen. It depends on the place, but for the most part it seems to be at the counter - that said, I've never been asked for ID, but I'm usually still conscious enough to notice the kiddies getting turned away when they can't produce anything believable...

There aren't that many coffeeshops that have doormen/security, but this would usually be the point when the large groups of fresh-faced teenagers get checked/asked to move on...



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[rsim]

alright. im not old enough so im asking this. but if i cant buy it. you think if i asked anyone, they would be able to buy some for me? of course im gonna give them the money to buy it.

[DaveS]

I think the biggest problem would be for the coffeeshop if they got raided - it's not the person who get's in trouble, but the coffeeshop itself...

They could, in fact, lose their license - potentially causing a whole backlash of further problems which could lead to their closing down...

For that reason alone, I personally wouldn't buy for someone I knew to be underage - it's not worth causing problems for the coffeeshop owners, and besides, there's a reason why they introduced an age limit in the first place...

You don't actually mention your age, rsim, and although it's got to be a real bummer, why not wait until you ARE old enough to enjoy all Amsterdam has to offer legally? Can you imagine what would happen if every underage toker descended upon Amsterdam - they'd give the people in government all the ammunition they'd need to close down ALL the coffeeshops and remove their licences - and then where would we be?

We can't all fit in Nol's Spanish weed sanctuary - or can we?



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[Melquiades]

Just back from the Dam, only Amnesia asked me ID and my driving license was good for them.

Peace

[HP Dubcraft]

Just got back from there.... Best thing is keep your ID with you. I'm 27 though to some people I look as young as 19 (not a problem for me, quite flattering actually) ended up having to trawl back over half the city to get my passport to show Rusland. In fact I was asked more for ID this visit than I was on my first visit 8 years ago (when I WAS 19). The thing is, the governement seems to be putting the squeeze on coffeeshops a little this year, looking for any reason to close them down, so everyones really militant about being over 18 (corruption of the young being the Christian Unions number one ammo of choice against coffeeshops).

There will always be places who WILL sell to youngsters happily, but those places tend to be the rip-off stops.

Best thing to do is walk and talk confidently like you know what you're doing, that way they're less likely to ask for ID and less likely to rip you off.