Checking Identification and Preventing Service to Minors
The legal drinking age and acceptable ID
Only people 21 and older may be served alcohol. Acceptable identification is generally a valid government-issued photo ID: a state driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, or certain foreign passports. Expired IDs, school IDs, and photocopies are not acceptable. When doubt exists, the safe answer is always to refuse service.
How to check ID properly
Examine the ID in good light, hold it yourself rather than accepting it across a counter at a distance, and compare the photo to the person. Check the date of birth by calculating the age, not by glancing at the year. Feel for tampering, look for mismatched fonts, peeling laminate, or altered birth years, and check that the physical description matches. A second check is warranted whenever the person looks young, appears nervous, or the ID seems too pristine or too worn.
Refusal and documentation
If ID is missing, expired, altered, or belongs to someone else, refuse politely and do not serve. Confiscating a fake ID is generally not the server's job and can create liability; note the incident and inform the manager. Document refusals so the establishment can show a consistent practice.
Traps to watch
Questions love the "looks older" or "regular customer" scenario-familiarity never replaces ID checks. Another trap is a vertical-format license, which signals a person under 21. A third is a group where one person orders for everyone; each person receiving alcohol must be verified.
Rule of thumb
If you would hesitate to bet your certificate on the ID, refuse the sale.