Smart Serve Serving Minors and Underage Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the common signs of a fake identification document?
- They always look perfect
- Inconsistent fonts, blurred text or photos, uneven edges, incorrect security features, lamination bubbles, and information that doesn't match when questioned (Correct answer)
- Fake IDs are impossible to detect
- Only electronic scanners can detect fakes
Correct answer: Inconsistent fonts, blurred text or photos, uneven edges, incorrect security features, lamination bubbles, and information that doesn't match when questioned
Common signs of fake IDs include poor-quality printing, inconsistent fonts, blurred or misaligned photos, uneven or rough edges, missing or incorrect security features, bubbles in lamination, and patrons who cannot answer basic questions about the information on the ID (such as their zodiac sign or address).
Question 2: What is the server's responsibility when an adult patron orders a drink for a minor at their table?
- Serve the drink since an adult ordered it
- Refuse the order and explain that serving alcohol to a minor is prohibited regardless of who orders it (Correct answer)
- Serve the adult and tell them not to share
- Only refuse if the minor appears to be under 16
Correct answer: Refuse the order and explain that serving alcohol to a minor is prohibited regardless of who orders it
It is illegal to serve alcohol to a minor regardless of who places the order. If a server suspects that an adult is ordering drinks for a minor, they must refuse the order and explain that they cannot serve alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age. The responsibility lies with the server to prevent the service.
Question 3: How should a server handle a situation where parents want to order alcohol for their underage child at a restaurant?
- Allow it because parents have the right to decide
- Politely but firmly refuse, explaining that Ontario law prohibits serving alcohol to anyone under 19 regardless of parental consent (Correct answer)
- Serve a small amount as a compromise
- Allow it only if the child is over 16
Correct answer: Politely but firmly refuse, explaining that Ontario law prohibits serving alcohol to anyone under 19 regardless of parental consent
In Ontario, parental consent does not authorize the service of alcohol to a minor in a licensed establishment. Unlike some jurisdictions, Ontario law does not provide a parental exception. Servers must politely but firmly refuse, explaining that the law does not permit this regardless of the family relationship.
Question 4: What is the 'two-piece ID' method of verification?
- Accepting two forms of ID from different countries
- Using two separate pieces of identification where neither alone is sufficient, but together they confirm identity and age (Correct answer)
- Cutting an ID in half to check for fakes
- Having two different servers check the same ID
Correct answer: Using two separate pieces of identification where neither alone is sufficient, but together they confirm identity and age
The two-piece ID method involves checking two separate identification documents where one primary ID confirms age and a secondary piece confirms identity. This method provides an additional layer of verification and is particularly useful when the primary ID's photo doesn't clearly match or when there are minor concerns.
Question 5: What role does the establishment's security or door staff play in preventing underage drinking?
- Security has no role in age verification
- Door staff serve as the first line of defence by checking IDs at entry, preventing minors from entering drinking areas, and supporting servers in enforcement (Correct answer)
- Door staff only handle fights
- Door staff replace the need for servers to check IDs
Correct answer: Door staff serve as the first line of defence by checking IDs at entry, preventing minors from entering drinking areas, and supporting servers in enforcement
Door staff serve as the crucial first line of defence against underage drinking. They check IDs at entry, control access to licensed areas, and support servers throughout the establishment. However, door staff verification does not eliminate the server's obligation to also verify age before serving.
Question 6: What should a server do if a patron refuses to show identification when asked?
- Serve them anyway to avoid conflict
- Politely but firmly refuse to serve alcohol and explain that identification is required by law (Correct answer)
- Guess their age and decide
- Ask other patrons to vouch for them
Correct answer: Politely but firmly refuse to serve alcohol and explain that identification is required by law
If a patron refuses to show identification when asked, the server must refuse to serve alcohol. There is no obligation to serve someone who cannot or will not provide proof of legal age. The server should explain this requirement calmly and offer non-alcoholic alternatives.
Smart Serve Serving Minors and Underage Prevention 2
What are the common signs of a fake identification document?