What should I do if I suspect a patron is faking an ID?

If you suspect a patron is trying to use a fake ID in California, you should follow the law and refuse to serve them. California has laws in place to protect establishments from incidents of liquor liability. These laws prevent business owners from being held liable for any injury or damages caused by an intoxicated person, as long as they have done their due diligence in confirming an individual’s age. To do this, they must properly check identification. If you believe someone is trying to use a fake ID, the first step is to politely explain why you cannot serve them and then ask to see some other form of identification. It is important to remain calm and professional in this process. If the customer cannot provide another form of identification, then it is best to refuse service. It is particularly important to remain firm in denying service when a customer tries to argue or become hostile. You may kindly explain that you are mandated by law to refuse service and will not accept a fake ID. It is also a good practice to document the incident. Make sure to make notes of the time and details of the interaction, such as the person’s physical characteristics, the type of identification presented, and any other relevant information. It is also important to retain the fake ID for the authorities in case it is needed for evidence. In all cases, it is best to err on the side of caution in refusing to serve a customer if you suspect they are under the legal drinking age.

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What should I do if I suspect a patron is faking an ID?

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