Liquor permit holders: Check student IDs

COLUMBUS — Students are out of school or on break for the holidays, and bars, restaurants, convenient stores, grocery stores and all other retail businesses that sell alcohol must be extra vigilant this time of year to ensure that no alcohol is sold to minors. Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control Bruce Stevenson reminds all permit holders to help make this holiday season safe for everyone by checking IDs.

“Holiday celebrations can turn tragic when young people get access to alcohol,” said Stevenson.  “We’re committed to helping businesses practice safe and responsible sales.”

Businesses that sell to minors are also putting their permits in jeopardy.  They could face fines, suspended sales privileges, permit revocation, and possible jail time.  Stevenson urges businesses to protect themselves and their community by thoroughly checking the ID of anyone buying alcohol.

The use of electronic ID scanners is one effective tool for age verification.  It’s also important to be observant and prevent underage persons from sharing in the cost of or being furnished with alcohol by another customer.

“ID scanners are great devices and I encourage their use, but the human factor is still the most important tool in preventing underage drinking,” Stevenson said.

The Division promotes awareness and prevention through a variety of educational materials including its “Safe Alcohol Sales” and “Permit Information and Resource Directory” booklets.  In also provides information on other prevention resources and alcohol server training programs such as the “Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) Training” program offered by the Ohio Investigative Unit.  All resources are available to permit holders and the public at www.com.state.oh.us/liqr