Verbal and physical attacks lead to door supervisors feeling less confident about asking individuals to show a valid ID upon entering the business they work for, which has led to the fear that the young may have more access to alcohol. Security industry workers report being either verbally or physically assaulted when asked to see ID, however only a small percentage of these incidents are reported to police.
Age restricted sales legislation has been made for a very good reason, the protection of children from harm, so it is important rules and regulations surrounding alcohol are strictly enforced. What can you do to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors in your place of business?
Implement an Age Verification Policy
You see them everywhere, stuck on counters in petrol stations, taped to the doors of bars, pubs and night clubs, and even in the supermarket, Challenge 21/Challenge 25 deterrent posters. If your place of business does not have one, you can get them from the Under Age Sales website. Make sure it is in plain sight of your customers, so they are prepared to show their proof of age before entering your venue. If someone asks you to make exceptions, politely tell them that verifying their age is business policy everyone who wishes to enter the venue has to comply with and point to the poster.
Have Guidelines of What Forms of ID You Will Accept
If you aren’t being thorough, it won’t be hard for someone to sneak past you with a fake ID. When you check an ID on the door be sure it contains the customer’s photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark. Suitable forms of identification include passports, a driving licence (only if it has a photo) or a PASS accredited proof of age card.
Understand the Risks of Serving Under 18s
While you would have learned about the laws and regulations of alcohol and young people during your door supervisor training course, you can take it a step further. Do more research into the consequences of underage drinking, so that you can understand the reasons behind such laws and be an advocate for what you are enforcing.
Don’t Bend the Rules
Should someone wish to enter your venue without a valid ID, don’t bend the rules. Remind the customer if you let them in without an ID, others will expect you do the same for them and that it could led to detrimental consequences if it turns out you’ve let minors in your venue and they are consuming alcohol. Remind them the business could face penalty charges, you could be sentenced to six months imprisonment and even lose your job.
Stand Your Ground
If someone wants to enter your premises without an ID and you’ve already told them no, but they keep pushing, stand your ground. Remember while saying no can be difficult, no one has the right to enter your premises without valid ID. Make saying no easier by practicing saying it. Prepare a polite but firm refusal. Remember your refusal doesn’t have to be heavy, aggressive or hurtful. Consider offering the individual an alternative like coming back on a night when they have their ID on them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for ID from someone entering your pub, bar or night club. Use our strategies to make asking for ID easier and reduce underage drinking. While applying these strategies requires one to overcome the fear that someone might be verbally or physically abusive, the payoff could be measured in lives and futures saved.
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