Back in the early 90s I couldn't make myself understood in Boston bars if I said, "Could I have a beer, please?".

Eventually I realised I'd have to say "Can I get a beerrrrrrrr?" in order to get served.

Recently, since I've been going to a local sandwich shop near work, I've noticed more and more Brits saying, "Can I get ..." (of course, often without the "please" on the end). This is coupled with a recent survey I heard that fewer and fewer (or "less and less" as even the newsreaders are saying) British people are bothering to say "please" nowadays.

BTW The dialogue of serving staff in the UK has changed over the last several years from the British, "Who's next please?" to the US "Can I help?".
Generally I don't need any help in a shop - just need someone to serve me.

OK USA - we surrender.