• Home
• Introduction
• Section 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Page 9
  • Page 10
  • Page 11
  • Page 12
  • Page 13
  • Page 14
• Section 2
  • Page 15
  • Page 16
  • Page 17
  • Page 18
  • Page 19
  • Page 20
  • Page 21
• Section 3
  • Page 22
  • Page 23
  • Page 24
  • Page 25
  • Page 26
  • Page 27
• Section 4
  • Page 28
  • Page 29
  • Page 30
  • Page 31
  • Page 32
  • Page 33
  • Page 34
  • Page 35
  • Page 36
  • Page 37
  • Page 38
• Conclusion
• Links
• Take Quiz

Determining if Someone with a Valid ID is Underage

It is very difficult to tell if someone is 21 just by looking at them. So, when someone orders an alcoholic drink your staff must first ask to see his/her ID. Then your staff should check the birth date; remember this is the second step in checking an ID. You are probably thinking to yourself, "Great! Now I have to sit and take the time to figure out every guest's birth date. There must be an easier way." In fact, there is an easier way. Read the following helpful hint to find out.

In 2009 a guest's birthday must be at least today's date in 1988 to legally drink alcohol. A quick way to figure their age is to add 21 to the year of their birth; if it is not equal to or greater than the current year, month and day, they are not old enough. If you subtract you are more likely to make a mistake than by adding.

You may find that older guests take your request to see their IDs as a compliment, while others see it as an insult. You will have to learn how to handle difficult guests. Research has found that humor, along with a stern warning, is the most effective way to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol. Come up with a few sayings that would make someone laugh while they comply with your request.