One of my pet hates is this Americanism creeping into everyday life, mostly by middle class kids.

The vendor will get the goods, you just ask if you can have them not get them. OK.

I cringe when I hear it in pubs and shops.

So do I Chelle, terrible. Heard it on the train back from London this very afternoon AAAARRRRGGHHH

so you would like a 'could i please have a' instead then??

does it really make that much difference?? i would say can i get if i thought the situation warranted it without a doubt..

And what occasion would warrent using this awful request that has only recently crept into existence.

what is awful about it?

It's trash.