Second Bush twin 'used fake ID' to buy drink

George Bush's predicament in regard to his twin teenage daughters showed no sign of easing yesterday after a new report claimed they had both tried to impersonate people old enough to buy alcohol.

Last week Jenna was charged with using false identification to try to order a margarita at a Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas. The previous month the 19-year-old had been charged with buying alcohol while under the legal age of 21.

Yesterday Newsweek magazine reported that her sister, Barbara ­ also charged last week with underage drinking during the margarita session ­ had used fake ID during a separate incident in October last year.

While the latest claim will be a further embarrassment to the American President, it will also increase debate on legislation that requires drinkers to be aged 21. The President's home state of Texas has enforced a zero tolerance policy under a 1997 law signed by Mr Bush as state Governor.

The magazine said Barbara had produced the identification at a nightclub called Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut, where she is studying at Yale University. The magazine revealed that the ID named her as Barbara Pierce ­ her grandmother's maiden name ­ gave a false address in Baltimore and altered her date of birth by three years. The security guard, Bill Coale, did not call the police, Newsweek said, but now had the ID card framed in his home. Yesterday, the management of Toad's Place declined to return calls.

The magazine also quoted friends of Barbara, who said she was as keen to party as her sister. Some of those quoted suggested Barbara was the instigator of their escapades and that Jenna was unfortunate to have been caught.

The latest claim comes after the two girls faced something of a showdown with their father last weekend at the presidential Maryland retreat at Camp David, when he told them that he was "not happy". Their grandmother, Barbara Bush, the former first lady and considered something of a family "enforcer", was also present.

Both girls are due to appear in court in Austin this month, where Jenna is a student at the University of Texas. Jenna faces a $500 (£352) fine and suspension of her driving licence for up to 30 days if she is found guilty. She may also gain a criminal record, having been told her earlier conviction would not be recorded if she kept out of trouble until 27 June.

If found guilty, she will be just one illicit drink away from jail: under laws passed by her father when he was Governor of Texas, three underage drinking convictions can mean a prison sentence of up to six months Her sister faces the same penalty Jenna received in May ­ six hours of alcohol awareness classes, eight hours of community service and the payment of $50 in court costs.