What Happens When You Serve Alcohol to a Minor?

What Happens When You Serve Alcohol to a Minor

These days, college students are the culprits behind underage drinking, as it has become increasingly easier to obtain a fake ID in order to purchase alcohol products. Because of this, it has become more difficult to detect when a patron is underage—causing issues within the hospitality industry. If you want to insure your business and make sure you are safe against claims regarding underage drinking, contact H&K Insurance today.

Consequences of Serving to Minors

What happens if one of your employees is caught selling alcohol to a minor? Well, the consequences vary by the state and the size of the offense. In most states, selling to a minor results in a 2nd degree misdemeanor, which can lead to a sizable fine and jail time. Avoiding these consequences will be in your best interest, as it will save a lot of money and resources for your company.

Ways to Prevent Serving to a Minor

As previously stated, it is hard to detect when a patron is underage. However, you can implement the following techniques to help solve this problem.

  1. Two Types of IDs: Ask the customer for two forms of identification. An acceptable form of identification is a state-issued driver’s ID and license, or a U.S. passport. By doing so, you can compare the information provided. You can use the picture, date of birth, state of license, etc. to see if the information is consistent. If a person says that they do not have two IDs, then refuse the sale.
  2. Ask Questions: While looking at their valid form of identification, start asking them questions based on it. Ask what their birthdate is, what their address is, or what their height is. If a wrong answer is provided, then you know that they are using a fake ID.
  3. Look for Signs: You know a person is underage if they appear nervous when they approach you to buy alcohol. Other signs to look for are any visual tampering with the license like: damage to the lamination, a taped-on photo, and changes to the signature.

Important Things to Remember

Now that you can combat underage drinking more efficiently, here are other rules to remember.

  • In the state of Massachusetts, it is considered to be a criminal offense if you use false identification. If you encounter someone with a fake ID, detain them and report them to the authorities.
  • If an underage patron suffers from any damages, your business cannot be held liable for the sale if a “realistic” fake ID was presented. A “realistic” fake ID is an ID that was accepted as a viable form of identification by an employee.
  • The most important method to combat serving alcohol to minors, is that you have properly trained employees who can detect and uncover people using fake IDs.

How Does Liquor Liability Insurance Protect Your Business?

Liquor Liability Insurance is used by businesses in the hospitality industry to mitigate alcohol-related claims. This type of insurance is used to cover legal fees you may incur while fighting off a claim. Alcohol-related claims happen often and can be very costly to your business.

Protecting your business guarantees your future success. Remember in the hospitality industry liquor liability insurance is incredibly important. At H&K Insurance, we understand how to protect and create a better future for your business. Contact us to get the right policy today!