Video: Governor turned away from Olympia bar

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OLYMPIA, Wash. - She has headlined parades, appeared on television and signed legislation.

But all that couldn't get Governor Christine Gregoire into a downtown Olympia bar.

Gregoire got carded and turned away last weekend from a bar called Hannah's.

She and her staff had just served burgers at the annual Capital Lakefair nearby. With their state patrol escort, they went to the bar for a celebration.

"There was someone at the door checking ID. I didn't happen to bring my wallet," Gregoire said. "The young man said if you don't have ID, you can't get in."

The 23-year-old bouncer wouldn't budge, even when others stepped in to vouch for Gregoire's identity.

"He simply said, 'Yes, I understand, with no ID she can't get in,' so I went home and my husband went in," Gregoire said.

KING

Governor Christine Gregoire was turned away from a downtown Olympia bar called Hannah's because she forgot her ID.

She is not alone. The Washington State Liquor Control Board says it gets complaints all the time from people who are clearly of age but who still get carded. Spokesperson Jennifer Skoda says the state law doesn't spell out who should be carded. It just says where there may be a question of a person's right to purchase liquor, the person shall be required to present ID.

"The burden is also with the licensee to ensure their patrons are over 21," Skoda said.

Todd Ruzicka owns the bar. He says he has no idea why the part-time bouncer chose to card someone who's almost three times his age.

"I'm very complimented that he thought I was under 21 years of age," Gregoire said.