Bouncers bogus, not ID

What do you think?

So I should not have been surprised when I was carded at the door of Shannon's Bay Shore on Second Street Thursday night.

I was standing in line waiting to get in to this tiny bar with people spilling out into the street. I peeped through the window to see if I could find the people that I was supposed to meet. Bay Shore was a virtual sardine can, and that is why a bouncer greeted people outside and let people in as others left.

By the time I was in front of the line, the bouncer's friends decided to show up and schmooze their way in. He did not let them in because to be fair, it was my turn.

When two people left, he was about to let me in. I showed him my driver's license and he said, "What a pretty haircut. Do you have another form of ID?"

Because I was going out I left everything at home so I would not have to carry anything. I said no. He rebutted by saying my driver's license did not look like me.

Now, like I have said, I have been carded hundreds of times and never once did the person deny me my God given right to consume as much alcohol as possible.

The photo was taken only two years ago and when my naturally brown hair was flaming red, I was still never told that my ID did not look like me.

When contacted, an employee at Bay Shore said the bar has been having problems with media entering the premises on the prowl for underage drinkers and maybe the doorman was being extra cautious. I seriously doubt it.

People whom he did let in looked younger than I did, and I have been told I look extremely young.

After arguing with the doorman, he said, "If you don't like it, go to another bar." I did, and dropped boatloads of cash on their bar in tips. Remember that next time your doorman turns a 22-year-old with valid ID away, Bay Shore bartenders.

I am not saying do not go to Bay Shore, just make sure to bring a second form of identification, maybe a birth certificate, social security card, blood sample and maybe a tree of your family's genealogy. That way the bouncer cannot find a bogus excuse not to let you in so his friends could take your place at the bar.

Christina L. Esparza is the city editor for the Daily Forty-Niner

Christina L. Esparza, California drivers license, top, press pass photo above.