How to ID Customers as a Waiter

Asking customers for identification when they order alcoholic beverages is part of the job. Rarely does a guest who is over the age of 21 get offended when asked, so there is no need to be nervous.

Instructions

1. Take the drink order. If the guests order alcoholic beverages and look younger than 35, ask for their ID as each guest orders. A simple "May I see your ID?" is sufficient.

2. Make sure they pull their ID out of their wallet. Many wallets cover up the expiration date on the ID, so this is important as many people under the age of 21 often use expired driver's licenses or state ID cards as fake IDs. "Will you please pull your ID out of your wallet so I can see the expiration date?" is fine.

3. Examine the picture and the birth date on the ID. Glance at the birth date and look at the picture, then look at the person for comparison. If the person looks nothing like the picture on the ID, let the guest know that you're unsure and get your manager to look at the ID for a second opinion.

4. Know what to say if a guest becomes offended about asking for ID. Generally, the only people that are offended are the ones who aren't old enough to drink alcohol. You can say something like "I'm sorry, it's the restaurant's policy to ID everyone who looks younger than 35."

5. Learn what to say if a guest doesn't have identification but is trying to order an alcoholic beverage. Again, state the restaurant's policy about asking for identification from anyone who looks under the age of 35 and follow that up with "I'm sorry, I can't serve you alcoholic drinks if you don't have your ID with you."

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a smile on your face. Remember, it isn't your fault if the person forgot their ID and can't drink alcohol as a result. Keep smiling so that their bad attitude toward you doesn't ruin your night.

• Always ask for ID when in doubt. Serving alcohol to minors can result in you getting arrested and the restaurant being fined or worse, getting their liquor license taken away. Be sure always to ask for ID when in doubt, to avoid these things from happening.

• Never let the other guests "vouch" for a person without an ID. Many guests will try to "vouch" for the person who doesn't have their ID. Sometimes, the person is old enough to drink alcohol, sometimes they aren't. Don't risk losing your job over it and tell the guests you're sorry, but you still can't serve them alcohol until they give you the proper ID.