Who is responsible for checking customer IDs for alcohol sales?

The responsibility for checking customer IDs for alcohol sales primarily falls on the server or bartender. These individuals are directly engaged in the process of serving alcohol to customers and are thus in the best position to verify the age of the patrons before delivering alcoholic beverages. This is a critical part of ensuring compliance with liquor laws, which dictate that alcohol may only be sold to individuals of legal drinking age.

Additionally, servers and bartenders are trained to recognize valid forms of identification, understand the nuances of different ID formats, and spot potential signs of fake IDs, which is crucial in preventing underage drinking. Their direct interaction with customers makes them the frontline guardians against the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.

While other employees, like managers and cashiers, may also have a role in maintaining compliance with liquor laws, it is the server or bartender who specifically has the direct responsibility during the act of serving alcohol. This specialization underscores the importance of their role in maintaining legal sale practices.