How old were you when....

harpers_perm · Post by **harpers_perm** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:38 pm

You purchased your first pint in a public house?

I was 15 years 10 months. Success came after 8 refusals, my first attempt at 12 years 4 months ending in severe parental discipline following a botched attempt at Butlins, Filey in 1984.

My eventual success was supported by a waistcoat, 'wispy adolescent moustache' and upon ordering placing a packet of 20 Rothmans on the bar to give the impression of advanced age.

My tactics enabled me to successfully secure 4 pints of Slalom D, a disappointing p1ss like lager but it did get me on the scoreboard and off and running.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:43 pm

Around 14 years of age,in the Ashworth Arms on Burnley Rd in Rawtensall...think it was 12p a pint,I had a paper round at the time to finance my habit.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:45 pm

Got Bolllocked in the Rams Head in Rawtenstall by the police..when I was about 17 for having a beer, had no problems at 14 though

turbo5 · Post by **turbo5** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:48 pm

15 year old upstairs in the Empress grill (Its a card shop now on the Mall)

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:48 pm

I was about 14 - ordered a pint thinking it would be the greatest tasting thing in the world .......

Took a sip and thought it was disgusting

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:53 pm

14 in the Gamekeeper public house in The Lawns, Swindon - ''twas my local, spent many weekends in there with my best pal drinking a few pints each night playing pool. The landlord barred us for a week during the week we both turned 18, he knew all along how old we were, but we were being "responsible" so it was ignored for the 4 years we were going in.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:00 pm

15 or 16, can't be certain which one and it was somewhere in Rhyl.

I was buying booze from the shops at 12 though

LeadBelly · Post by **LeadBelly** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:08 pm

16 going on 17 (so 1966) in The Brickmakers (Brickies) before a match at TM. There was a pre-match cram in there and the bar staff were too rushed to challenge me I guess. It would be Masseys and c 1/10 (9 p) for a pint. I can't remember who the game was against but I can remember who I was with.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:08 pm

The Football Tavern in Derby aged 15 years and 10 months like the OP. Me and my mate were so proud to achieved it before the age of 16.

Clarets4me · Post by **Clarets4me** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:09 pm

" Waggon and Horses " in Clitheroe, aged 15.... 32p for a pint of Mr Thwaites's finest, around 1978ish !!

Lord Beamish · Post by **Lord Beamish** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:15 pm

14 years old, Pack Horse Inn, Widdop. '''Twas a Sunday, and me and three mates had gone for a cycle ride over to Hardcastle Crags. On our way back we stopped at the Pack Horse to get a lemonade or a coke. I cheekily asked for a pint of lager and lime, fully expecting to be refused. The guy took a look at me and then poured me one. My three friends followed suit. Three pints each later, we had quite a wobbly ride back into Burnley.

CrispyClaret · Post by **CrispyClaret** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:15 pm

My 18th birthday. How sad is that?

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:16 pm

CrispyClaret wrote:My 18th birthday. How sad is that?

Makes it worse that you got your own beer on your 18th.......

Belial · Post by **Belial** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:16 pm

Was having tins of cider on the odd occasion at home by about 13, pubs round Rossendale at about 15. Being chucked out of Horaces in Bacup for vommin at 15

pureclaret · Post by **pureclaret** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:26 pm

13yrs .6 months in wales whilst on a climbing weekend. Then regular from 14 at the dog & otter Greatharwood when at scout / venture scout camp for some 2 years. I thin first pint was about 13/14p. Just been for a curry in Chorlton Manchester tonight paid £4.40 for a pint of cobra that would have been 33 pints back when i was a boy.

mrhungryone · Post by **mrhungryone** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:40 pm

15 in the wheat sheaf colne rd....bowt 16 in the royal on colne rd and when I was 18 working nights in cornholme I got refused in the local.ffs

john'sroseyspecs · Post by **john'sroseyspecs** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:43 pm

pureclaret wrote:13yrs .6 months in wales whilst on a climbing weekend. Then regular from 14 at the dog & otter Greatharwood when at scout / venture scout camp for some 2 years. I thin first pint was about 13/14p. Just been for a curry in Chorlton Manchester tonight paid £4.40 for a pint of cobra that would have been 33 pints back when i was a boy.

Would have been £8.80 dagnw saughth !

Juan Tanamera · Post by **Juan Tanamera** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:51 pm

About 15/16 at what was the then 'new' Astoria in Rawtenstall in the late 60'summer.
All the seating was around the perimeter of the dance floor and there always seemed to be someone on lookout at the top of the stairs, so when they shouted 'cops', pints were pushed under the seats and everyone made for the dance floor.
On the down side looking back, the regular dj was the infamous (ugly) Ray Territory.

SonofPog · Post by **SonofPog** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:02 am

The Friday after my 18th.

Never even tried it beforehand, upim a baby face, nearing 40 now and still get ID'd on a semi regular basis. I got the national ID 18 card, but still once got refused because "there was no way I was 18" that's why I've got the ID' "you could have faked it"..."it's the national ID card it cannot be faked" Still no service...

The pint in question me and my mate went to a country pub thinking it'll be more accommodating as he was still under age, (but looked far older)' we had our plan... Walk in like we knew we were cool, I'd spot the pool table was free, say loudly "oh tables free, you set them up and Ill get them in" to. Give him a reason to not be at the bar.... Plan made we ventured in. Didn't even get ID'd.

Few pints later I'm taking a ****, Barman says to my mate, "just how fing old is your mate anyway".... "Ha, he turned 18 earlier this week"..."and you?" My mate embolden by Ale. Said " Few months off mate" "Oh **** off" but he said it in a friendly way, we'd caused no fuss, went in there a few times after.

gogogadgetlegs · Post by **gogogadgetlegs** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:15 am

16 in St James Bar - only ordered a half and some Accy Road lads chased us out after a sip or 2.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 6:59 am

14, the White Bull at the back of my gran's in St Johns Rd. Wasn't a particularly nice pub back then. Not sure if it still exists.

pureclaret · Post by **pureclaret** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 7:55 am

Although id been drinking in pubs for several years my 18th birthday was celebrated dry in the Sparrowhawk in Burnley as the bar maid refused to serve me when my mate said I was celebrating my 18th that day She was upset Id been drinking and buying from her for over a year. She then later bought me a pit and a big kiss, nice pint too , oh and the kiss well a gentleman does not talk !!! So i am all right to talk lol

Chobulous · Post by **Chobulous** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:00 am

16 at the Liberal Club in Brierfield, which was quite at trek for me and my mates because we lived in Stoneyholme. The Liberal Club was one of the places known for serving anyone, underage or not. A few weeks later we got served in the Coachmakers so that became our local. Took another year to get served in the Adelphi and Reindeer. The Prince Albert was a success early on as well. Didn't make it to the town centre, from the point of view of being served, until I was 18 but we went to Sid's Cellar every Friday because one of us looked old enough to get served so he did the honours all night.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:03 am

16. Clayton arms in smelly. Would have been around 1982. Good pub then. Now sadly not a pub at all.

Pint of mild. Can't remember the price exactly but for some reason 60p rings a bell. Anyone confirm the prices around that time?

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:36 am

14 in Richmond. Lots of local racing stables back then so just used to tell landlords you were a stable lad.
Drank regular from 16, but then so did practically all my peers as well. The Oak Tree on the outskirts of town, now sadly gone, was called the Youth Pub. I had nights in there with 30 -40 people, no one old enough to drink.
Great days.

CnBtruntru · Post by **CnBtruntru** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:44 am

14 in the Imp at Nelson, it was a pint of mild and cost about 11 or 14 p don't remember correctly it 1975 and a copper stood at the side of me.

ClaretEngineer · Post by **ClaretEngineer** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:05 am

16 at the Bull and Butcher on Manchester Road circa 2005. Most likely a pint of Timothy Taylors.

I had a Saturday job as a butcher on Rawtenstall market back then. Upon my return home I would collect my mate from across the road and we'd head up to the Bull and Butcher. We often finished the night on a Turbo Shandy or three (Lager mixed with Smirnoff Ice). Happy Days.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:07 am

Scored my first pint of bitter (that rancid Wilson's muck) in the Roebuck at Scoutbottom. Age 14.9. Cost me 12p, which was probably about what it was worth.

Sutton-Claret · Post by **Sutton-Claret** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:09 am

It was 2 weeks before my 16th birthday - upstairs in the Boot and Shoe Friday disco. All my mates were drinking bluebols and lemonade - I went for a pint of 'mixed' cos that's what my dad drank

claptrappers_union · Post by **claptrappers_union** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:26 am

About 15. I used to play for a Manchester City supporters team, after my first match with them we went back to the Black Bull in Haslingden were the home team put a spread on. I went to the bar and ordered a Budweiser.

I'd never really drank beer before and I probably nursed it until I plucked up the courage to order another... 3 hours later.

Guich · Post by **Guich** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:33 am

15 in the Harpers in Fence. Then went to the Bay Horse tap room on Fridays, there was this brilliant old guy called Eli (I think) who used to bring live chickens in and swear at everyone. Only problem was I had to go through the lounge area to the toilet, passing mum and dad on the way.

Down_Rover · Post by **Down_Rover** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:56 am

14 in Kings Arms padiham.

Anyone remember northern soul nights at Accy British legion?

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 12:51 pm

15 Swan St James St....I felt quite old compared to some of the regulars in the mid to late seventies.

joey13 · Post by **joey13** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 1:03 pm

I was 13 1/2 got served in the Swan Whalley before the school dance , had 5 pints of mild and was slightly pizzed , being the tallest it was my job to get all the beers in , can't believe the landlord didn't have a clue we were underage.
We used to go drinking regularly in Burnley also , Broadsword, Thomson centre, and the Swiss bar near the Keirby , can't remember its name, happy days .

Sausage · Post by **Sausage** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 1:34 pm

1 October 1990 at the age of 15 years and one month. Two pints of lager for me and my mate Simmy at Preston Guild Hall where we'd gone to watch Iron Maiden. Also got through a pack of John Player Specials too. Happy days.

No Ney Never · Post by **No Ney Never** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 2:26 pm

13 going on 14. The Alma in Padiham on whit Sunday was virtually a youth club after the walks. Started with a pint of mild, not sure you can still get it anymore.

Joey is no kant · Post by **Joey is no kant** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:51 pm

15 first pint was in the shepherds in rawtenstall,half a crown or 12 and half pence,I remember soul at the British legion in Accrington about 1974 I think tommy balmer used to DJ sometimes ,happy days.

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 4:05 pm

Must have been around 16, at the Grapes in Blackburn.

ClaretCanada · Post by **ClaretCanada** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 4:37 pm

The Craven Heifer near the Old Post office, I was 14, also managed to drink regularly at 14 in Big Window on Manchester Road, do not think either are there any more

burnmark · Post by **burnmark** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 4:47 pm

15 in Smacks back in 1999.

crundale · Post by **crundale** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 8:49 pm

Hare and Hounds Harle Syke. Circa 1976. Was 16 but looked 12. Conversation ....
Me. Pint of Lager and Lime please.
Landlord. Does your mother know you are out.

Me. Scuttled out the door.

HollandsPies · Post by **HollandsPies** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:05 pm

Was in the 4th. year at Walton when I bought my first pint at the Inn Plaice on the Thursday night heavy metal extravaganza.
That developed into being a regular there on a Sunday followed by the Great Marsden and bottom bar at Jimmy Nelsons

mrhungryone · Post by **mrhungryone** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:13 pm

Chobulous wrote:16 at the Liberal Club in Brierfield, which was quite at trek for me and my mates because we lived in Stoneyholme. The Liberal Club was one of the places known for serving anyone, underage or not. A few weeks later we got served in the Coachmakers so that became our local. Took another year to get served in the Adelphi and Reindeer. The Prince Albert was a success early on as well. Didn't make it to the town centre, from the point of view of being served, until I was 18 but we went to Sid's Cellar every Friday because one of us looked old enough to get served so he did the honours all night.

what years did you go in the coachmakers etc?

gawthorpe_view · Post by **gawthorpe_view** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:46 pm

16 in the Bridge, before it became trendy.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:59 pm

15 at the working men's club in Cotton Tree, Colne. Every Friday night with "exotic dancers", about 5p to get in and bugger all for a pint. The scene at the door with an old bloke taking our money and issuing the tickets was like something out of "Phoenix Nights"...
"How old are you, lads ?"
"Er, eighteen."
"Aye, alreet, then, in you come."
Last bus or train back to Nelson and then curry and chips from the Chinese at the bottom of Railway Street and then home to Carleton Street where I'd do my smooth "I'm not ******" act. It was years later my Mum pointed out that I'd fooled nobody.

boatshed bill · Post by **boatshed bill** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:07 pm

Certainly under 16, if not by very much.

StevieP · Post by **StevieP** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:23 pm

16 yrs old, pint of Stones' bitter in the Golden Cross in Ossy, think it was about 90p, landlord knew we were underage but it was midweek, fairly quiet and there was a group of us from Gateway across the road, we spent most of our wages in there for the next couple of years