Training Modules
Identification
This section will support you in understanding some of the basics around identification. Asking for identification is a core part of preventing the sale of alcohol to underage individuals.
Identification basics
When selling, delivering or providing samples of alcohol, ensuring legal compliance and customer safety is paramount. As discussed previously, this involves verifying the customer's age and sobriety. Perhaps the most visible role retail attendants play is validating that the customer is old enough to purchase or consume alcohol.
In Ontario, while the legal age for purchasing alcohol is 19, it is a recommended industry practice to request identification from any customer who appears under 25 years old. Retail employees are empowered to ask for ID before completing a transaction or providing alcohol samples. If a customer cannot produce ID upon request, you must refuse the sale, delivery or sampling.
When accepting ID for the sale, service or delivery of alcohol, it must meet specific criteria:
Reasonably appear to have been issued by a government or the LCBO
Be currently valid (expired IDs are not acceptable)
Include a photograph of the person
Display the person's date of birth
By law, you can never ask the customer to provide their Ontario Health Card. With that said, should a customer voluntarily produce their Ontario Health Card, you are allowed to use it as a long as it meets the criteria listed above.
When inspecting IDs, the following points may assist in detecting fake IDs:
Ensure the inspection area is well-lit to aid in detecting alterations
Take your time to carefully examine details such as the likeness to the bearer, the birthdate, and the expiration date
Physically handle ID rather than accepting it at a glance - you are within your rights and responsibilities to ask the customer to remove the ID from any covering for thorough inspection, such as to feel for signs of tampering, particularly around the photo and edges of the ID
Check for consistency in thickness, weight, and coloration of the ID material
If you are unsure about the validity of an uncommon form of ID, or if your doubts otherwise persist, politely inquire about alternative forms of identification. You are also encouraged to seek a colleague's opinion or escalate to a manager in such cases.
By adhering to these practices, retail staff can ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain a safe environment for customers and colleagues alike.
