What is it with all the Washington, D.C. confusion lately? There was that Transportation Security Administration agent who reportedly had no clue the District of Columbia was part of the United States, and now New Hampshire has had to clarify that yes, a D.C. license is a valid and acceptable form of identification one can use to provide proof of age when buying booze. Sigh.

Apparently some liquor stores in the state were sticking very closely to New Hampshire state law, reports the Concord Monitor, which says that there are four types of legal proof of age businesses selling alcohol can accept: a passport, a military card, or a driver’s license or photo identification from any of the 50 states, as well as provinces of Canada.

No mention of D.C. nor any U.S territories. Which means some customers are stymied at the checkout, a customer service rep at a New Hampshire co-op explains to the Monitor.

“It’s just one of those quirks,” he said, using an awesome word that makes a great last name. “We get three to four people each year who we can’t sell to because they don’t have proper identification. We apologize profusely and ask them for a passport… and then say, ‘You can probably go to another store where they will allow it.’ ”

The New Hampshire Liquor Control Commission updated that rule this week [PDF], reports WAMU.org, saying it knows very well that D.C is part of the country.

“Recently there has been confusion as to the acceptability of Washington D.C. driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards for the purchase of alcoholic beverages within the state,” the clarification notes. “Although the language of RSA 179:8 does not specifically reference Washington D.C. it is understood that the District of Columbia is the capitol [sic] of the United States.”

Hear that, D.C.’ers in New Hampshire? You are real citizens, real citizens who can buy booze. So go forth, and guzzle, like only Americans can.

After Incident, Granite State Liquor Regulators Say D.C. License Is Valid [WAMU.org]

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