Yesterday I went to the LCBO to pick up some stuff to re-stock our bar. The LCBO is right inside my office building, and though it's a nice store, being in a busy location right downtown, it doesn't often attract the most glamorous clientel. The people who work there are a bit tough themselves, probably jaded from dealing with difficult people on a regular basis. Some of the people who work at this LCBO seem more like bouncers than salespeople. As I lined up with my bottles, I witnessed this hard-ass cashier turning down an alcohol sale to some girls infront of me.

Cashier: Can I see your ID?
Girl: Here.
Cashier: Okay, thanks...can I see your friend's ID too?
Girl: Why?
Cashier: Well, your friend was involved in the decision making process for this bottle of gin.
Girl: But she's not buying it....I am. What if she waits outside?
Cashier: Sorry... doesn't work like that. I saw you two walking through the aisles together deciding on this purchase together. And if she doesn't want to prove with a valid government ID that she's of a legal age, then I'm going to have to take this away.
Girl: This is so dumb...
Cashier: Have a nice day. Next!

The girls left with bruised egos mumbling eachother about what a loser the cashier was. I couldn't help but find it amusing.
Anyway, when it was my turn, the cashier asked for my ID. I handed it to him, and he softened his hard ass approach and rang up my purchase.

Cashier: Oh! Nice! Your birthday is coming up in 2 more days. Happy early birthday. I guess that's what these bottles are for. *wink*
Me: Yup! I'm so excited....the big 1-9!!
Cashier: *flustered*........(serious hard ass tone returns) I'm afraid I'll need to see your ID again, miss.
Me: I was totally kidding.

I guess there are in fact two places where joking around is just not appropriate or appreciated: at the border of U.S. Customs and the LCBO.