Pub refuses to serve two Marines who fought on Afghanistan frontline... because they only had their military ID

Two Royal Marines tried to go for a homecoming drink a day after fighting on the front line in Afghanistan - but were refused entry to a pub because they only had military ID.

Dan Buchanan and Kelvin Billings were stunned when doormen at the J D Wetherspoon pub in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, Hants, refused them entry.



Refused entry: Kelvin Billings and Dan Buchanan outside their local JD Wetherspoon pub in Portsmouth

They showed their military ID which included their dates of birth. But Wetherspoon said the cards were not acceptable as evidence of proof of age.

Marine Buchanan, 21, said today: 'A day before I was putting my life on the line for Britain and yet that didn't count for anything.

Man of action: Kelvin Billings in Afghanistan

'We were disgusted and angry, to be honest.'



The pair, serving with 42 and 45 Commando in Afghanistan during the current deployment, had both returned to their shared house unaware that the other had leave.

They went to the Isambard Kingdom Brunel pub, dressed in civilian clothes, for a quiet beer and catch up about 9.30pm on Saturday.

But the doorman asked them for ID and rejected the military cards they produced.

Mne Buchanan said: 'We couldn't believe it, we didn't have any other ID because it's all still in Afghanistan.'



Lance Corporal Billings, 22, said he was shocked that military ID was not enough to get past the doormen.

'The head doorman said it is company policy, but Portsmouth is the home of the navy and the marines have been here for centuries, so how can that be right?



'Without us these places wouldn't be in business, it's completely hypocritical.'



Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South Mike Hancock, who also sits on the Commons Defence Committee, said: 'It's absolutely appalling.

Dan Buchanan is 'disgusted and angry' that his military ID was not accepted by the pub

'These men have put their lives on the line.



'They had their military ID on them which clearly would have had pictures on to identify them so why on earth weren't they allowed in? It's jobsworthiness gone mad.

'Licensed premises are entitled to ask for ID for age checking purposes but I can't believe that they could not accept military ID. It's absolutely mind boggling.'



A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said the company only accepts three forms of ID to combat fraud - a passport, driving licence or UK citizen card.

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 the person was disappointed that he was not allowed in but we only accept a handful of forms of ID.'

