What to Do If You Suspect a Patron Is Underage

What to Do If You Suspect a Patron Is Underage

As a server, you’ve probably found yourself in some pretty interesting situations. One of the trickiest scenarios is when you suspect a patron might be underage. It can be awkward, and honestly, nobody wants to be that person who causes a scene, but here’s the thing: your responsibility to verify a patron's age is crucial—not just for the law, but for the safety and reputation of your establishment.

So, What Should You Do?

If you think someone is underage, the correct course of action is to request a valid form of ID. Let me explain why this is so important:

1. Legal Compliance: California has strict laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, and serving someone who isn’t of legal drinking age can lead to serious penalties. We’re talking hefty fines or even losing your license to serve alcohol.
2. Protecting Your Establishment: Performing due diligence by checking identification doesn’t just keep you safe; it protects your establishment too. You wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a fine or worse because a minor managed to sneak by, right?
3. Customer Transparency: Most patrons understand that checking IDs is part of the routine. It reassures the patrons who are of age that responsible serving practices are in place. It ultimately enhances everyone's experience.

What Not to Do

Let’s get back to those wrong options for a moment. Ignoring the situation? That’s a hard pass. Allowing the patron to continue ordering without checking their ID? Not a good idea. And asking for just the patron's birth year? Come on, you know better than that! It’s not enough just to ask—verifying age with a valid ID is essential.

Types of Valid Identification

But what counts as a valid ID? You might wonder. Here are a few examples that will typically pass the test:

• Driver’s License: A state-issued driver's license is usually the gold standard.
• State-Issued ID: If they don’t drive, a non-driver's ID will do just fine.
• Military ID: Servicemen and women often have IDs that confirm their age efficiently.

The Importance of Diligence

So, why is this diligence so vital? Consider what could happen if you skip this step. Beyond legal trouble, nothing’s more troublesome than the fallout of serving a minor. It could lead to tragic consequences—think accidents, issues with law enforcement, or a tarnished reputation for your establishment. Is that really worth it? I didn’t think so.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a server, it’s your job to take age verification seriously. Don't just default to a casual approach—make ID checks a non-negotiable part of your service routine. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a responsible drinking culture and ensuring that both you and your patrons can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience.

The next time you’re in doubt, remember this: Request a valid form of ID. It might seem like a minor task, but it carries a weight of responsibility that ultimately secures both your role as a server and the integrity of your establishment.