The selling of alcohol to minors is illegal and can result in severe fines. However, there is a way to sell alcohol legally, securely, and responsibly. While self-service alcohol dispensers are ideal for any venue that serves alcohol, it doesn’t mean that you cannot sell responsibly. These tips and proper alcohol seller training will help you to sell alcohol safely and legally.
Be aware of your customers’ age
For each transaction involving alcohol, you should check the identification of each customer to verify the person is at least 21 years old or the legal drinking age in the state where your business is located. Be sure to check ID each and every time. If a customer is reluctant to show ID or if you suspect they are underage, don’t sell alcohol to them. The consequences of selling alcohol to minors can be severe. If you’re not sure what someone’s age is, ask them directly if they are over 21. If a person is under 21, don’t let them buy alcohol or allow them to consume it on your premises. Be sure to ask other guests who may not be purchasing alcohol for identification as well.
ID everyone and make sure they’re 21 or older
As mentioned above, it’s crucial that you check ID for every person who purchases alcohol. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known a person for years, they could be of legal age or they could be a minor trying to pass themselves off as an adult. It only matters that they have the proper identification to prove they are of legal drinking age. If their ID shows that they are not of legal drinking age, don’t sell them alcohol. If a person does not have ID, don’t serve them alcohol. You can ask for other forms of government-issued identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license, military ID, passport or visa. Don’t sell alcohol to anyone who refuses to provide a form of ID. You can refuse service to anyone. If you are not sure whether you should refuse service, ask yourself this question: “Would I let this person drive a car after drinking?” If the answer is “no”, don’t serve them alcohol.
Require a credit card to purchase alcohol
If you allow guests to use a debit or credit card to purchase alcohol, you can easily check the person’s ID and their card information to ensure they are of legal drinking age and they have sufficient funds in their account. This is a great security measure that will assist you in preventing minors from being served alcohol and will help you avoid lawsuits or fines. If you require a credit card to purchase alcohol, it’s your legal right to check the card’s expiration date and the name on the card. Note: The name on the card must match the name on the person’s ID.
Utilize bartender for techniques
If you have a bartender, they can be a valuable asset in helping you to adhere to state laws and avoid serving minors. The bartender can watch customers as they approach the bar and verify their age before they are allowed to proceed. If a person does not have their ID, the bartender can use their discretion to decide whether to let them purchase alcohol or not. Additionally, bartenders can keep an eye out for minors who are attempting to sneak alcohol from the bar. If a minor is attempting to get alcohol from the bar without showing an ID, the bartender can refuse the purchase.
Require a valid identification for entry and exit
When people are allowed to enter your venue, make sure they present a valid form of identification. This can be a state-issued driver’s license or a government-issued ID card. Minors and people who do not have a valid form of ID should not be allowed on your premises. This is the only way to ensure minors are not sneaking into your venue and drinking alcohol. Also, make sure people who are leaving your venue are required to show a valid form of ID before they are allowed to exit. If a person appears to be intoxicated or is exhibiting signs of alcohol poisoning, don’t let them leave your premises without first making sure they have a valid form of ID.
Don’t allow drunks to drive away in their own car
Even if a person has a valid driver’s license, it doesn’t mean that they are sober. Make sure you don’t let people drive away in their own car if they are intoxicated. If you are hosting a party, you may want to consider hiring a taxi service for people who have been drinking and who don’t have a sober driver available. If you serve alcohol, you have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that you are not contributing to the number of alcohol-related deaths and accidents on our roadways. Do not let people drive away in their own car if they are drunk. If they attempt to drive away while intoxicated, try to prevent them from doing so. If they refuse to stay put, call the police and report the intoxicated driver.
Conclusion
If you follow these seven tips, you can sell alcohol responsibly and safely. Remember, the key to selling alcohol responsibly is vigilance. Be sure to check IDs and keep a close eye on those who are consuming alcohol. If someone is intoxicated, don’t let them drive away in their own car. Serve alcohol responsibly and legally so that you are not fined and your business is not shut down due to irresponsible alcohol practices.
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