Seniors, rise up against disrespectful beer garden ID rules

LETTER — I was one of the 500 who attended the Hijacked Music in the Park yesterday (Saturday). I was there on July 1 too, as one of the nine finalists for Kamloops Got Talent.

The article that appeared here (Armchair Mayor column, 67 And Still Asked For ID At Beer Garden, July 5) about a senior not being admitted to the Beer Garden caught my attention and it was the subject of much discussion at the seniors community that I volunteer at. They agreed that there appears to be no respect.

I’m going to go one further – it has always been considered rude to ask a lady her age. When did that change? While a young woman might not want to be considered a lady, virtually every woman in the affected category would appreciate being considered one now. That being said, “respect your elders” is more all-inclusive and no less true. These are rules we all grew up with.

I thought perhaps the Powers That Control may have amended their ways after the noted article appeared so I tested the rules. I went through the gate and was stopped, was asked “do you have picture ID?”

I said “yes” and made no move to get it. He then asked to see it and I refused. He explained it was required and I told him “no,” turned around and went home. It is unfortunate that it was not his company that lost money. Not that I would have spent much; I just wanted a cold beer!

There are enough of YOU out there that we could make it matter. Seniors deserve respect and maybe we need to remind those youngsters with clout that it’s rude to disregard the years we’ve endured. I’d like to see seniors come out to beer gardens everywhere, refuse to show ID, get turned away and contact the papers, or the Armchair Mayor!

We deserve respect and if you can’t decide between 18 and 40, you shouldn’t qualify for the job of Security!

SHANNON McARTHUR

Kamloops