thedrifter
02-03-09, 05:05 AM
We fought the Taliban...but we couldn't get a beer at our local
By Euan Stretch 3/02/2009
Two Marines were refused entry to their local pub the day after fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan because their military ID wasn't good enough.
Dan Buchanan and Kelvin Billings were gagging for a homecoming pint and brandished their ID - which includes their date of birth - when they were stopped at the door.
But the pair were then stunned to be told it was not acceptable. Buchanan, 21, said: "I was putting my life on the line for Britain a day before and that didn't count for anything. We were disgusted and angry."
The pair, with 42 and 45 Commando in Afghanistan, went to their local in Portsmouth, Hants, dressed in civilian clothes at about 9.30pm on Saturday.
Dan said: "We didn't have any other ID because it's all still in Afghanistan."
Lance Corporal Billings, 22, added: "Portsmouth is the home of the Navy and the Marines have been here for centuries. Without us these places wouldn't be in business."
A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said it only accepts a passport, driving licence or UK citizen card as valid ID.
He added: "We have a really good relationship with the armed forces and welcome them into our pubs. In fact, we are currently running a promotion, which offers discount to armed forces' personnel.
"We apologise if they were disappointed that they were not allowed in but we only accept a handful of forms of ID."
Ellie
By Euan Stretch 3/02/2009
Two Marines were refused entry to their local pub the day after fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan because their military ID wasn't good enough.
Dan Buchanan and Kelvin Billings were gagging for a homecoming pint and brandished their ID - which includes their date of birth - when they were stopped at the door.
But the pair were then stunned to be told it was not acceptable. Buchanan, 21, said: "I was putting my life on the line for Britain a day before and that didn't count for anything. We were disgusted and angry."
The pair, with 42 and 45 Commando in Afghanistan, went to their local in Portsmouth, Hants, dressed in civilian clothes at about 9.30pm on Saturday.
Dan said: "We didn't have any other ID because it's all still in Afghanistan."
Lance Corporal Billings, 22, added: "Portsmouth is the home of the Navy and the Marines have been here for centuries. Without us these places wouldn't be in business."
A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said it only accepts a passport, driving licence or UK citizen card as valid ID.
He added: "We have a really good relationship with the armed forces and welcome them into our pubs. In fact, we are currently running a promotion, which offers discount to armed forces' personnel.
"We apologise if they were disappointed that they were not allowed in but we only accept a handful of forms of ID."
Ellie