Restrictions on Selling Alcohol to Customers

You can''t sell or give alcohol to anyone under 18, to someone who is clearly drunk or behaving badly, or if you think they might give it to someone else illegally.

Alcohol Consumption Rules

Don''t allow anyone under 18, anyone who is clearly drunk, or anyone causing trouble to drink or have alcohol in your establishment. If someone is clearly drunk, they shouldn''t be allowed into the bar, and if they are already inside, they should be asked to leave.

Proving Age in a Bar

If you''re buying alcohol or just hanging out in a bar, you need to show proof of your age if asked. Acceptable IDs include a photo ID like a driver''s license, passport, or other official documents like a refugee travel document. The digital driver''s license from Trafi is also acceptable. A foreign ID or passport is okay as long as it seems reliable and shows your age. The bar owner can decide which other IDs they accept, but they must treat everyone fairly.

Minors in Bars

While the law doesn''t ban minors from being in a bar, the bar owner can set an age limit if they want. For events like sports games or concerts, certain sections can be designated as 18+ only if alcohol is being served there. Minors can''t enter these areas when alcohol is being served.

Preventing Underage Drinking

It''s the responsibility of the bar''s staff and owner to make sure that minors can''t drink alcohol, even if someone else tries to give it to them. Even if security checks IDs at the door, the staff must also check IDs during purchase if there''s any reason to believe the customer might be under 18. Checking IDs should be fair and not based on things like someone''s nationality.

Bar''s Self-Monitoring Plan

The bar must have a plan that explains how they make sure they follow age restrictions for serving alcohol.

Dealing with Drunk Customers

If someone is clearly drunk, they shouldn''t be allowed into the bar. Alcohol should not be sold or given to anyone who is visibly intoxicated or causing trouble. If someone inside the bar becomes clearly drunk, they should be removed right away to prevent problems. This should be done carefully but firmly.

Handling Intoxicated Customers

If a drunk customer is too impaired to take care of themselves, the staff must ensure they get home safely, like calling a taxi for them. The customer can wait in a supervised area of the bar until their ride arrives. If needed, the staff can call the police for help. Leaving someone in a vulnerable state can result in legal consequences.

Unpredictability of Drunk Customers

A drunk person''s judgment is seriously impaired, making them unpredictable. This can lead to problems, like taking someone else''s drink or causing disturbances.