ASK FOR PROOF – It is a crime to give or sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21. You should instruct your employees to check for proof of age before selling any alcoholic beverages. In surveys, many underage purchasers say they are NEVER asked for proof.
ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS FOR IDENTIFICATION
Valid New York State driver’s license or a valid driver’s license from any other state or Canada.
Valid identification issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (Non-Driver ID card).
Valid United States military identification.
Valid passport or visa from the United States government or any other country.
College ID or sheriff’s ID cards are not acceptable proof of age ask for a valid id every time!
WHAT TO CHECK ON IDS
Check for tampered or fake documents
Check the birth date on the id
Check the photo to see if the customer has the same eye color, hair color, weight and height as the person in the photo
Check the lamination for unclear edges
Check for any bumps on the id
Check for erased ink or marks around the date of birth
If the license was issued by New York State, check for the continuous state seal
Ask for a second ID if you’re not sure if there is any doubt, refuse to make the sale
BEWARE OF THIRD PARTY SALES
If you observe minors congregating outside your establishment approaching adults or handing money to adults, ask the customer if he or she is buying the items for someone else. If you believe alcoholic beverages are being purchased for a minor, refuse the sale.
DO NOT MAKE A SALE TO AN INTOXICATED INDIVIDUAL
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF INTOXICATION
Look for:
Bloodshot eyes
Slurred speech
Mood swings
The smell of alcohol
Loud, abusive, profane language
Staggering or falling
HELP FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
Post a “Date Born After” sign in close proximity to all cash registers.
Have a written policy on what you expect from employees when making alcoholic beverage sales.
Post the policy for all employees to see.
Establish an ongoing training and education program for all employees.
Encourage responsible drinking when advertising your establishment.
Do not use advertising and/or promotions which are designed as inducements for teenagers to drink.
Support your employees when they refuse to make a sale.
Be sure your employees understand the provisions of the Dram Shop Act (General Obligations Law, Section 11-101) which holds bartenders and/or clerks responsible for third person injury or death caused by a visibly intoxicated person served by the bartender or clerk.
Be sure your bartenders, wait staff and clerks understand that they can be arrested for selling alcoholic beverages to minors and/or intoxicated persons.