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How to Spot a Fake ID

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Regular readers of the One Fat Frog blog know that we don’t just want to talk to you about how you can get the best used equipment for your restaurant business; we also want to help you run your business better. As the self-proclaimed resident bar connoisseur at the Frog, I take the bar business very seriously, and try offer advice so a bar can maintain good business practices.

Of course, there is no better business practice for a bar than to make sure you’re serving customers who are of the legal drink age of 21. Back in the day, a bar in the area I used to live in was nearly shut down for having something like 50 underage drinking violations in about two months…over DOUBLE of what the other bars on the same block had COMBINED! If a bar has enough of these violations, the liquor license can be suspended and the business can be shut down. You don’t want this, and neither do your employees, your suppliers, or your investors. So, when you hire door staff and bartenders, teach them these steps to make sure that a fake ID does not get through your doors.

1. Feel the edges: if it’s real, the edges will be smooth and even. If it’s fake, the edges will be rough and possibly coming apart. You can even bend the corner a bit, and if it starts to break, it’s fake.

2. Check for foils or holograms: if you turn the ID in the light, you should see a hologram pop up. That’s a good sign. Of course, who knows how far along some of these fake ID makers have come. The hologram is usually the official state seal or crest, and if it looks a bit unofficial, there could be a problem.

3. Compare the picture: does the person who gave you the card look the same on the picture? If they’re wearing the same clothes, that could be a hint that it’s fresh, which could be a problem. Also, sometimes you’ll get the ID of a family member, so pay close attention to those facial features.

4. Ask for specific details from the card: lack of knowledge of what’s on the card is a sign that it’s fake. Of course, knowing the card TOO well can also be suspicious. When in doubt, ask them for the ZIP code or their ID number (very few know their full ID number).

5. Ask for another ID: this is specifically if you the ID might be lost, stolen, or transferred; if they have more than one ID with the same name and face, they’re legit.

6. Observe the card holder: if they appear antsy, nervous, or concerned, then be suspicious.

7. Scan the ID: of course, the stuff you’d use for scanning ID cards can be expensive, but if you can afford it, it’s a great investment to make. In fact, the advent of using such products like iPhones and iPads in businesses has made this a lot easier, so look into this one if you can. Bottom line: if it’s fake, it won’t scan, plain and simple.

8. Get more eyes: if you’re not sure, or you want confirmation, ask for a manager or a second set of eyes. If it’s fake, the holder will get nervous and ask for the ID back. Then you can give it back and refuse them service. If it’s real, it’s no big deal, and they probably won’t mind the extra set of eyes.

As previously mentioned, you should train your door staff AND your bartenders how to spot a fake ID. If the door guy misses it, then the bartender is the last line of defense to make sure alcohol is not served to someone underage. Most importantly, you have to be diligent on this. Any moment that someone slacks on an ID check, then your license is in danger. And if you notice anyone slacking on that responsibility, pull them from their post or, hopefully not, fire them. Not always the best outcome, but if that’s what it takes for the business to succeed, that’s what you’ve got to do. Good luck!

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Filed under: Restaurant Management, Used Equipment Tagged: one fat frog restaurant equipment, running a bar, spotting a fake ID, used commercial restaurant equipment orlando

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