At Crown Security Products we know that for bars and restaurants owners, getting a liquor license can be a challenge in itself. This is why today’s blog informs about the laws surrounding alcoholic beverages in a legal and safe manner. Serving alcohol to minors can get your business in big trouble – financially speaking and with the law.

Fine for Serving Alcohol to a Minor

The person who sells the alcohol to the minor can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. This can be a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

The license holder can face similar charges, which grow more serious with each offense. Most of the time, the first offense at an establishment will result in a warning, fine or a temporary suspension of the liquor license. More serious infractions can result in the liquor license being revoked, and higher fines.

What If a Minor Uses a Fake ID?

In most cases, someone who is licensed to sell liquor is only liable for selling to a minor without asking for the proper identification. The bartender, waiter, or bouncer must ask for identification. In the case, the minor shows a “realistic” ID, no charges will be filed against the establishment. The problem with this is that some fake IDs look very real. In this case, if the establishment accepted the fake ID for negligence, the establishment may still be liable for serving the minor.

How to Avoid Selling Liquor to Minors?

Every establishment must check the ID of every person that enters the venue. Everyone that orders an alcoholic beverage, should also be asked for ID – once inside.

Sometimes law enforcement entities do police sting operations in order to catch bouncers and bartenders with underage serving patrons. If caught, penalties are imposed upon the bartender/establishment.

In order to be on the safe side, the best way to avoid any penalties is to have an ID scanner that verifies the authenticity of an ID.  

Check out our ID scanner options here.