Message 9890 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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In Uk we now as bartenders can be fined if we serve an underage customer. 
Police are reportedi n many of thebroadsheets to be sending underage 17 year 
olds etc in to bars and seeing if they're served. I believe its a fine of 
around 80-500 quid which you do not want. blame this. Blame this law, and 
blame the management. if they claim theyre 22 or so claim that your management 
is looking to adopt an over 21 policy.

One thing. dont argue with the customer for too long. Just give them a firm, 
"im sorry mate, i cant serve you with out a valid ID, we dont accept 
university cards (etc), come back with ID and I can serve you". Then move on 
to thenext customer. I suggest making a code for the staff so when you shout 
out, for example 450, it can mean do not serve the guy standing there as he 
has no ID. You can put this together with 450 on till X, to give an idea of 
who the guest is that your colleagues are not to serve.

If your bar has a promo tab even offer him a drink on the house if he comes 
back with ID and sees you. Maybe try to suggest that you are not saying he's 
underage, but that you just need ID to be able to serve him and that your 
management makes you question anyone under 21, or 25 etc. If you get any other 
problems offer to get the manager and ensure the guest that the manager will 
give the same response.

at the end of the day most people over the age of 18 know the score that if 
you are out, you will need ID. If you do not take ID you are an imbosile and i 
take ID everywhere.

I however did have a problem once when i lost my drivers lisence and my 
passport together and got ID'd. That was annoying. I even took every single ID 
i had to the pub with me but the pub only accepted passport or drivers 
lisence, as well all my mates i was with were all over 18, with ID. Sometimes 
common sense is required when in this situation. But this was wetherspoons, 
you pay peanuts you get monkeys i suppose. Trained to perform a job a monkey 
could actually do with ease.

Bongo