Checking IDs & Spotting Fakes
Which document is generally ACCEPTABLE as valid proof of age for alcohol service?
- AA birth certificate
- BA photocopy of a driver's license
- CA student ID card
- DA current, unexpired government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military IDCorrect
Why: Acceptable proof of age is a current, unexpired, government-issued ID that carries a photo and date of birth — typically a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Photocopies can be altered and are not the original, student IDs are not government-issued proof of age, and a birth certificate has no photo to tie it to the person presenting it. Always verify the ID is genuine, unexpired, and matches the guest.
Documentation & Post-Incident Review
After refusing service to an intoxicated guest or a minor, what should staff do to protect the establishment?
- APost the guest's name publicly
- BLet the next shift find out on their own
- CDocument the incident — time, reason for refusal, and what happened — in an incident log or reportCorrect
- DKeep it quiet so the guest is not embarrassed and record nothing
Why: A refusal of service should be documented in an incident log or report: the date and time, the reason (visible intoxication, invalid ID, minor), the actions taken, and any witnesses. This record shows the establishment acted responsibly and is valuable if the incident is later questioned. Recording nothing leaves no proof of the right action, publicly naming a guest is inappropriate, and leaving the next shift uninformed undermines consistent enforcement.