Message 4273 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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Good tips, Brian.  I definitely hear you on this point:

"I have worked in clubs where once patrons passed the door person then 
> you were  not to ID again. I always ignore this "rule" as I am not 
> going to risk my license because some $6/hr door guy has the hots for 
> some 19 year old."

I work in a hotel bar, not a club, but sometimes I get nervous about who the 
restaurant servers are bringing drinks to.  My bar is separate from the dining 
room but I have a service area where I put up their drinks.  Sometimes I'll 
pass through the dining room and notice some young looking patrons with drinks 
in front of them.  I've sometimes asked the server in the back if they already 
carded that person.  You're absolutely right to card or refuse service if in 
doubt.  Laws differ from state to state but in California the bartender is 
ultimately responsible for who he serves - if the doorman lets a minor in it's 
still your ass.  Since it's your ass I'd say you have the right to verify age 
on anyone that you aren't sure of.  I think most bartenders are aware of just 
how much shit you're in if you get busted serving a minor.  In my state it's a 
$1,000 fine and a misdemeanor.  I'd definitely get fired, but that's not the 
worst of it.  What are the odds of me getting another job in a bar with 
serving a minor on my record?  No one is going to take a chance on hiring you, 
you may as well choose a new profession.  


As I wrote above, these 22 year olds who throw a fit at being carded need to 
be slapped upside the head - they should expect it.