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Alcohol Sellers/Servers

 

 
HomeReducing Underage Drinking

With prom season and graduations coming up, there will be lots of warnings to teens about not drinking and the dangers of drunk driving.  

We thought that our servers, sellers, and bartenders could use a similar reminder.  To follow the law, and serve and sell responsibly, be aware of ways minors may attempt to purchase alcohol and do not sell or serve to underage customers.

The first step to avoid serving and selling to minors is to card everyone who looks under 30 years old.  

When checking a customer's ID, remember the acronym FEAR:

FEEL - FEEL the front, back and edges of the card for pin holes, glue lines or rough surfaces near the date or photo, or to see if the card seems unusually thick (fake IDs are sometimes re-laminated and thicker than a regular card).

EXAMINE - Carefully EXAMINE the front and back of the card for blurry text, incomplete holographs, anything that appears cut and pasted, check the expiration date, and compare out-of-state IDs to your ID guide book.  Also examine the picture to make sure that the image and description match the customer.

ASK - If you have doubts about the card, ASK. Ask for a second form of ID.  You can also ask questions about the card - birth date, middle name, address, or astrological sign.

RETURN or REFUSE - if you determine that the ID is valid, RETURN it to the customer and go ahead with their purchase or order.  If you have doubts about the card or the customer can't show a second ID or answer your questions, REFUSE service.  Let the customer know that you will not be able to accept their ID.  If the customer abandons their ID, turn it over to law enforcement.  Be sure to document the refusal of service and inform other servers, sellers, and bartenders.

In addition to using a fake ID, minors may try to purchase alcohol in several other ways.  Watch for the following:

  • Young-looking customers pooling money to give to an older customer.  They may hang back in the parking lot or in the far corners of your establishment.  If one person appears to be purchasing drinks for others, let them know that you need to card the entire group.
  • Anyone attempting to sneak in past the bouncer, come in a back door to your establishment, or share an "Over 21" wristband.  Card everyone who looks under 30 when you serve them - whether there's someone checking ID's at the door or not.  No matter who is supposed to be checking IDs, it is your responsibility to not serve or sell to anyone who is underage.

Other signs that a customer may be underage:
  • Appearing nervous, uncomfortable or self-conscious
  • Not making eye contact
  • Wearing a high school jacket, clothing, or a class ring
  • Talking about high school activities or events
  • Rserving's online training helps servers and sellers learn how to recognize fake IDs and reduce underage drinkingChoosing a far corner or dark area to sit

Be safe and responsible this prom and graduation season (and the rest of the year), by carding everyone who looks under 30 and not serving or selling to minors.

For a refresher course on how to serve and sell responsibly, or if you have additional employees that need training, check out Rserving's online training for Responsible Serving® of Alcohol.



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