Question 1

When examining a customer's ID, what factors should you be checking?
A)The birthdate, the ID's expiration date, the photo (to see if it matches the customer's face), and the authenticity of the ID's look and feel
B)The expiration date and how authentic the ID appears
C)The birthdate is the only factor that really matters
D)Whether the ID is horizontal, since this type is only given to people 21 and older

Accepted Answer

When examining a customer's ID, you should be checking not just the birthdate but also the expiration date, the photo, and the authenticity of the ID's look and feel.
Each state has a different style of driver license, so checking "authenticity" can sometimes be challenging, but you should at least be very familiar with the IDs issued in the state you work in as well as those of any neighboring states. Some states, such as Colorado, only issue horizontal IDs to citizens over 21 years of age, but in many other states the horizontal license indicates driver status only - not the person's age. Some establishments (including many nightclubs) also require at least two forms of ID from their patrons, so you should also learn how to quickly check passports and state ID cards.

Question 2

What is the best way to refuse to serve minors (or any customer without proper identification) alcohol?
A)Threaten to call the police if they do not leave the establishment immediately.
B)Ignore them completely.
C)Politely tell them you cannot serve them and do not try to embarrass them further.
D)Tell them you can't serve them and immediately have them escorted off the premises by security.

Accepted Answer

When refusing anyone service, it is always best to be polite and avoid causing him or her further embarrassment.
When it comes to minors, though, things can be a bit tricky depending on where you work. Some places do not allow underage people in the building at all (in which case you will have to ask the minor to leave or see that he or she is escorted out if he or she refuses to leave), while others permit minors as long as they are not being served alcohol. It is up to you to learn the rules of your establishment as soon as you start working there.

Question 3

Which of the following is a valid form of identification when ordering alcohol at a bar or restaurant?
A)Birth certificate
B)School ID card
C)Voter registration card
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

None of these are considered valid forms of identification when it comes to ordering alcohol. A valid ID must have a photo of the person who holds it, his or her name, and his or her birthdate.

Question 4

An electronic ID card scanner is a great alternative to checking IDs with just your eyes and hands.

Accepted Answer

False. An electronic ID card scanner should be seen as a complement to checking the ID with your eyes and hands rather than an alternative.
Modern technology is not without its flaws. While an ID card scanner can usually tell you if an ID is real and legally valid, it cannot match that ID to the person who tries to use it to order alcohol. For example, a recently stolen ID may still swipe as valid, but it takes a human to really tell whether or not it belongs to the customer attempting to use it.

Question 5

A customer shows you an ID with some holes punched through it. What should you assume in this case?
A)The customer is of legal drinking age.
B)The customer is a minor.
C)The holes are nothing more than accidental wear and tear to the ID.
D)The ID is no longer valid.

Accepted Answer

If a customer presents an ID with holes punched through it, you should assume that the ID is no longer valid.
Motor vehicle commissions across the United States punch holes through driver licenses that are no longer valid, though some will even punch the word "VOID" in if they have a special tool for it. Even if a customer swears the hole punches were accidental, do not accept it as a valid form of ID.

Question 6

A customer seems nervous and uneasy when she hands over her ID. What does this most likely indicate?
A)She is generally a nervous and uneasy person.
B)She is underage.
C)She doesn't drink too often and is not used to bar settings.
D)She has already had too much to drink.

Accepted Answer

If a customer appears nervous and uneasy when he or she turns over his or her ID for examination, it most likely indicates he or she is underage and should not be served.
Is this a foolproof way of telling that someone is underage? Certainly not, but in these cases it is better to be safe than sorry. Rather than immediately refusing service, it is a good idea to first ask if he or she has any additional forms of ID and/or if he or she can answer specific questions about his or her ID and his or her age (and, of course, remain polite and courteous so as to not embarrass him or her unnecessarily).

Question 7

An immigration card is considered to be an acceptable form of identification in some areas of the U.S.

Accepted Answer

It is true that an immigration card is considered an acceptable form of identification in some areas.
To be valid, the card must have a recent photo, the person's full name, his or her signature, and his or her date of birth. That said, if you are unsure of the immigration card's authenticity you can always ask for an alternate form of ID (driver license, passport, etc.).

Question 8

Which of the following is not one of the features added to driver licenses that states often use to prevent counterfeiting?
A)Holograms
B)Background images
C)Scan-able barcodes
D)Digitally blurred driver photos

Accepted Answer

A digitally blurred driver photo is not used to prevent counterfeiting of driver licenses.
In fact, a blurred photo should be considered invalid since it does not clearly show the owner of the card. Meanwhile, other features such as holograms, background images, and barcodes are used by many (if not most) states today to make it more difficult for people to make fake versions. It is a good idea to get familiar with all of the ID security features that your state uses so you can more quickly spot fakes.

Question 9

You are handed an ID that does not have the person's signature on it. What should you assume here?
A)The ID was issued before signatures became standard.
B)The person is a minor.
C)The ID is a fake.
D)The ID is from a state that does not require signatures on its identification cards.

Accepted Answer

You can assume that the ID card is a fake if it does not have the person's signature on it.
It has become the standard for valid IDs to include a copy of the holder's signature, and IDs without them are now considered invalid. The signature is just another feature to help prevent counterfeiting and make identification easier.

Question 10

When Joel asks to see a customer's ID, the customer says he or she is currently awaiting a new driver license but has a temporary paper one. Should Joel accept the temporary license?
A)Yes. A temporary driver license is just as good as a permanent one when it is issued by the state.
B)No. A temporary driver license is not considered valid when it comes to purchasing alcohol.
C)It depends on the establishment's policies.

Accepted Answer

Many establishments have their own policies when it comes to identification, so Joel should follow whatever rules his employers have set.
If there is no set policy concerning temporary driver licenses, the bartender/server should use his or her best judgment. Asking for another form of identification always helps.

Question 11

You work at an establishment that has a policy requiring you to check the IDs of every customer. However, you find yourself frequently serving elderly people. Do you still have to check their IDs?
A)No. If they are clearly well above age 21, there is no need to check their IDs.
B)Yes. You still need to adhere to the policy.
C)You should only check their IDs if they are also sitting with young people.
D)Ask to see their IDs out of respect for the policy, but they don't really have to show them if they don't want to.

Accepted Answer

Yes. You still have to check elderly customers' IDs if the establishment's policies require it.
As ridiculous as it may seem, you still need to follow your employer's policies concerning ID checks. This ensures that nobody slips through the cracks (and besides, many of your elderly customers may even be amused by having to show their IDs).

Question 12

There are 13 states that allow drivers to get non-photo licenses if they conflict with their religious beliefs. If you work in one of these states, does this mean you have to accept a non-photo license as valid identification?
A)Yes. If it's OK with the state, it should be OK with you.
B)You only have to accept it if the customer can prove that he or she currently follows those religious beliefs.
C)No. When it comes to selling alcohol, it is unwise to ever accept a non-photo ID.
D)You should only accept it if the person's face is covered in real life.

Accepted Answer

Even if the non-photo ID is issued by the state, you don't have to accept it as valid for the ID holder to purchase alcohol.
Some may fear it is a form of discrimination to not accept a state-issued non-photo ID, but in reality it is far more risky for you and for the establishment you work at to accept one. Since there are such severe laws against serving minors, you should never serve anyone who cannot present a valid photo ID that also shows their date of birth (you can always go consult with your manager as well). On the bright side, many of the same religious denominations that prohibit photos also are against consuming alcohol.

Question 13

Even if a customer's ID appears valid, you maintain the legal right to refuse him or her service if you still suspect he or she is a minor.

Accepted Answer

It is true that you still have the legal right to refuse anyone you suspect is a minor, ID or no.
At the end of the day, you're the person ultimately responsible if you serve an underage customer alcohol. Fake IDs are common among people just a year or so shy of 21, and sometimes they can get away with using the ID of an older person who just happens to look enough like them. Always go with your gut in these situations, because politely refusing service to a person over 21 is better than serving a minor any day.

Question 14

If you are given a fake ID, what should you do?
A)Confiscate it.
B)Follow any specific policies your establishment may have.
C)Refuse service to the customer.
D)All of the above.

Accepted Answer

If you are given a fake ID, you should confiscate it, refuse service, and follow any additional policies your establishment may have.
Furthermore, if the place you work at does not allow minors inside, you should let the person know that he or she needs to leave. Be as polite as possible so as to not cause him or her further embarrassment. If he or she does refuse to leave, however, then it may be time to notify a bouncer (if you have one) or your manager to have him or her escorted out.

Question 15

When Brandon asks to see a customer's ID, the customer opens his or her wallet and holds it out. The ID is visible in a clear plastic slot, and Brandon can see that the person's birthdate says he or she is over 21. He approves it and gets the customer a drink, but what should he have done instead?
A)Asked to see another form of identification
B)Taken a longer look
C)Removed the ID from the wallet and looked it over from back to front
D)Examined the wallet to make sure it belonged to someone over 21

Accepted Answer

Brandon should have instead removed the ID from the wallet and looked it over from back to front.
It's hard to tell if an ID is valid when it's sitting in a wallet. Even though it takes extra time, you should always examine the entire ID in your hands.

Question 16

When comparing a person's face to his or her ID photo, what features should you be looking at?
A)Face outline/shape
B)Eye color
C)Nose shape and size
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

When comparing a person's face to his or her ID photo, always look at features like face outline and shape, eye color, nose shape and size, etc.
People can change their hair and often go through periods of weight gain and weight loss, so pay close attention to generally non-changing facial features. It's best to just hold the ID up and do a side-by-side comparison.

Question 17

When you do have to refuse service to a minor, whom should you let know?
A)Your manager
B)Your coworkers
C)Other guests
D)The local police and/or liquor authorities

Accepted Answer

You should let your manager know when you refuse service to a minor.
This way, your manager will be able to back you up if the minor is later involved in an alcohol-related incident. If you say you refused service to someone, it should never be just you defending yourself. Additionally, this lets your employers know that you are doing your job and taking measures to not serve minors.

Question 18

The edges of a customer's ID feel a little rough, but the customer says it is just normal wear and tear. What should you assume?
A)It really is just normal wear and tear.
B)The customer is lying and the ID is a fake.
C)The customer took the ID from someone else.
D)The ID is nearing its expiration date.

Accepted Answer

If the edges of an ID feel a little rough, you can assume that the ID is a fake.
The vast majority of IDs are printed on 30 mil PVC cards, which have smooth edges that do not come apart. If you're unsure, try bending the ID a little while continuing to examine the edges. If the edges are rough and/or come apart slightly, the ID is most likely a fake.

Question 19

When examining the holograms and/or foils on an ID card, what should you be looking for?
A)Images that are consistently shiny no matter which way you turn the card
B)Images of the American flag
C)Official-looking images that flash in and out of sight when you turn the card
D)A group of images that forms a larger image when you turn the card upside down

Accepted Answer

When it comes to examining the holograms/foils on an ID card, you should be looking for official-looking images that flash in and out of sight when you turn the card in your hand.
Holograms are typically the state seal or some other official-looking state image (keep on the lookout for anything that does not look official). They should also shine/go in and out of visibility as you turn the card. If they are consistently visible and shiny, chances are the card is a fake.

Question 20

While examining an ID, you notice that the customer is wearing the exact same clothes as in their photo and has the same hairstyle. What might you assume here?
A)It's just a coincidence.
B)The ID was made earlier that day and could be a fake, or he or she is using someone else's ID and trying to look more like that person.
C)The customer does not own many clothes or have much of an imagination when it comes to hairstyles.
D)The colors in the ID photo are off, and the customer is not really wearing the same color shirt.

Accepted Answer

If someone is wearing the same clothes and hairstyle as in their photo, you might assume that he or she is either trying to look like the person (not him or herself) in the photo or that he or she just had the fake ID made earlier in the day.
This situation is a bit tricky because it could just be coincidence - or it could not be. In this case it would be wise to ask if the customer has additional forms of identification, in addition to asking specific questions about his or her age, address, etc.

Quiz 3: Checking ID

When examining a customer's ID, what factors should you be checking?

What is the best way to refuse to serve minors (or any customer without proper identification) alcohol?

Which of the following is a valid form of identification when ordering alcohol at a bar or restaurant?

An electronic ID card scanner is a great alternative to checking IDs with just your eyes and hands.

A customer shows you an ID with some holes punched through it. What should you assume in this case?

A customer seems nervous and uneasy when she hands over her ID. What does this most likely indicate?

An immigration card is considered to be an acceptable form of identification in some areas of the U.S.

Which of the following is not one of the features added to driver licenses that states often use to prevent counterfeiting?

You are handed an ID that does not have the person's signature on it. What should you assume here?

When Joel asks to see a customer's ID, the customer says he or she is currently awaiting a new driver license but has a temporary paper one. Should Joel accept the temporary license?

You work at an establishment that has a policy requiring you to check the IDs of every customer. However, you find yourself frequently serving elderly people. Do you still have to check their IDs?

There are 13 states that allow drivers to get non-photo licenses if they conflict with their religious beliefs. If you work in one of these states, does this mean you have to accept a non-photo license as valid identification?

Even if a customer's ID appears valid, you maintain the legal right to refuse him or her service if you still suspect he or she is a minor.

If you are given a fake ID, what should you do?

When Brandon asks to see a customer's ID, the customer opens his or her wallet and holds it out. The ID is visible in a clear plastic slot, and Brandon can see that the person's birthdate says he or she is over 21. He approves it and gets the customer a drink, but what should he have done instead?

When comparing a person's face to his or her ID photo, what features should you be looking at?

When you do have to refuse service to a minor, whom should you let know?

The edges of a customer's ID feel a little rough, but the customer says it is just normal wear and tear. What should you assume?

When examining the holograms and/or foils on an ID card, what should you be looking for?

While examining an ID, you notice that the customer is wearing the exact same clothes as in their photo and has the same hairstyle. What might you assume here?