Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

OK, maybe it's me being overly sensitive, but I get so pissed off when I go to Kroger with my own freaking wife and they ask for both of our IDs. One time, she had left her's at home and they said they couldn't sell to us because she didn't have her ID. We go there almost daily, so the cashiers have to recognize us.

That being said, does anyone know if that's a law or just a ridiculous Kroger policy?

It makes me so mad because they just lost out on business because I just went down the street to a gas station and bought booze there. I just don't see the merit in it because if someone was really trying to do something illegal, they would just have the underage person stay in the car. It almost is like they want to annoy adults as much as possible. Anyone have any information on this?

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Well it is the law, that people in your party have to be checked if they aren't your kid, aka if your wife falls into that percentile that doesn't look 30 or over or like under 8 years old. Maybe they got violations for not checking peoples' ids' so they have to check everybody's every time they come around.

You know how cops check stores? They hire an underage teenager in good standing to go into stores and try to buy alcohol, and if they don't get carded well then the officers go in and bust them.

So that could be the reason why. Or maybe you and your wife are young and good looking enough that they really can't tell if you are over 21 haha. I'm only 22 and there are things I don't get carded for anymore, like I've bought beer at 7-11 and haven't been carded, I've bought cigs for friends and haven't gotten carded, I've bought video games for mature people only and haven't gotten carded. It doesn't bother me any because it all depends on the person. I have gotten carded while buying an M rated video game before and it's not a big deal, even though I feel like I clearly look older than 17. Sometimes I go to the movies to see an R rated one and still get carded.

Like I said though some businesses just get caught red handed not carding people they should be and then they have to card everybody, everytime, no matter what, to avoid further sanctions. Just gotta deal with it.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Never have had that problem before. I've gone with three friends, one that was 21, the others were 17 and 16 (no I wasn't giving them alcohol, honestly), but they were never asked for their ID, just myself.

Then again any grocery store I go to I never have that problem even with friends, they don't look anything like me so I really don't know.

Interesting that you have that problem.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I've had that problem before in Maryland. Was at the bowling alley and I went to get a pitcher of beer and the lady must've saw me coming cause she asked for my ID and my friend's ID. Granted, she just turned 21 and I don't look over 21, although I'm almost 24. So...

One of my friend's was a cashier at Meijer (a store similar to Walmart) and she said that they are required to ALWAYS card if the person looks like they could be under some random age like 30-35.. Something to that effect. So she carded one guy and the guy got so pissed at her, he cussed her out and reported her to corporate.

Really I think it just depends on the establishment.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I think it's usually a store policy to ID everyone. Yeah it's a pain but the store is just trying to protect itself.

At 37 I don't mind getting carded. :)

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Haha. I agree there, but that's the only place we go to that asks for both IDs. The only reason it makes me mad is because there are SO many ways around that if you wanted to be sketchy.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Yeah, Wegmans up here will ID anyone who buys alcohol... 89 year olds will go through the line and get carded.... I mean its a pain in the ass, but I get where they're coming from too.. It also helps protect kids who are doing those jobs in some cases from having to make judgment calls....but I def get the hassle.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

In college I was the first person to turn 21 in my house and so it usually fell on me to do the booze buying. One day I was driving to the keg store with my 20 year old stoner roommate whom I had admonished like five times to not give me money in the store, as this would force the beer dude to card him too I knew from experience. So we drive up and what does he say? "Dude, here's my share of the money," handing me a 20 right in front of the guy. No soup for us that day. Come back one year.

So anyway, I took this to mean that in PA a party has to be a visible participant in the transaction to necessitate an ID check. In other words, just riding in the same car isn't enough to require ID.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I don't mind getting carded myself, but when you ask all people in the party, I think that's SUPER lame.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I believe that an establishment, whether a restaurant or grocery store, can serve products and services to whomever they choose.

I know in Virginia there is some law that states that you can drink on the day before your official 21st at a restaurant or something like that. But, most restaurants don't let you do that so there is nothing you can do. They have the choice of who they serve.

I imagine it is the same for the grocery store. Even if you are in the "right" and the law states you don't have to card people who are also with the person purchasing alcohol, an establishment might just be deciding to protect itself to a further extent.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=Bushead;716287]I believe that an establishment, whether a restaurant or grocery store, can serve products and services to whomever they choose.

[B]I know in Virginia there is some law that states that you can drink on the day before your official 21st at a restaurant or something like that.[/B] But, most restaurants don't let you do that so there is nothing you can do. They have the choice of who they serve.

I imagine it is the same for the grocery store. Even if you are in the "right" and the law states you don't have to card people who are also with the person purchasing alcohol, an establishment might just be deciding to protect itself to a further extent.[/quote]

I remember about 5 years ago I visited my friend in Cali for her 21st birthday and we went to 7-11 to grab us a few 40's (I was super underage at the time.. 18) and it was still 10 minutes from midnight of March 13 and the clerk made us WAIT until midnight to ring her up.

Needless to say, I felt like that was overkill.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;716277]I don't mind getting carded myself, but when you ask all people in the party, I think that's SUPER lame.[/quote]

Yeah, the laws are really fuzzy and stupid. A few weeks ago I was in the liquor store, and I saw a guy who looked like he was in his mid-20's, and he had a younger guy with him who was probably 14-15 years old. They wouldn't sell him beer because the 14-15 year old wasn't of age, even though the older guy had his ID. He was like, "he's my little brother, the beer is for my dad and I for our cookout." The clerk didn't care.

Then I see a mother probably in her mid-40's who is with her clearly underage son, she's buys a case of wine, and the clerk didn't even bat an eye. WTF???

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=GMScud;716290]Yeah, the laws are really fuzzy and stupid. A few weeks ago I was in the liquor store, and I saw a guy who looked like he was in his mid-20's, and he had a younger guy with him who was probably 14-15 years old. They wouldn't sell him beer because the 14-15 year old wasn't of age, even though the older guy had his ID. He was like, "he's my little brother, the beer is for my dad and I for our cookout." The clerk didn't care.

Then I see a mother probably in her mid-40's who is with her clearly underage son, she's buys a case of wine, and the clerk didn't even bat an eye. WTF???[/quote]

That's weird because the liquor store sold booze to me the night BEFORE I officially turned 21. Overall, the liquor store seems to be the most lenient.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=GMScud;716290]Yeah, the laws are really fuzzy and stupid. A few weeks ago I was in the liquor store, and I saw a guy who looked like he was in his mid-20's, and he had a younger guy with him who was probably 14-15 years old. They wouldn't sell him beer because the 14-15 year old wasn't of age, even though the older guy had his ID. He was like, "he's my little brother, the beer is for my dad and I for our cookout." The clerk didn't care.

Then I see a mother probably in her mid-40's who is with her clearly underage son, she's buys a case of wine, and the clerk didn't even bat an eye. WTF???[/quote]

Its another case of women getting leniency. The clerk obviously thought that the dude with his little brother was gonna pour alcohol down down his little brothers throat. Whereas the woman, who is clearly a wino judging by all the wine she's buying, would never give her underage son a sip of wine she's gonna keep it all for herself.

Open and shut case Johnson. Women - 1. Men - 0

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;716307]That's weird because the liquor store sold booze to me the night BEFORE I officially turned 21. Overall, the liquor store seems to be the most lenient.[/quote]

it's VA law after court case to sell day before

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=GMScud;716290]Yeah, the laws are really fuzzy and stupid. A few weeks ago I was in the liquor store, and I saw a guy who looked like he was in his mid-20's, and he had a younger guy with him who was probably 14-15 years old. They wouldn't sell him beer because the 14-15 year old wasn't of age, even though the older guy had his ID. He was like, "he's my little brother, the beer is for my dad and I for our cookout." The clerk didn't care.

Then I see a mother probably in her mid-40's who is with her clearly underage son, she's buys a case of wine, and the clerk didn't even bat an eye. WTF???[/quote]
exact same scenario happened to me with lol bro getting stuff for BBQ.. in VA it's not law.. there are actually somfe interesting nuances I'll get into when I'm on the computer instead of phone

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Sometimes this country can be so childish. In Europe and Asia no one gives a shit if you drink or how old you are when you chose to do it. It's no big deal. Over here it's a big deal, thus kids want the forbidden fruit, and binge when they do get it.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alcohol_laws_of_the_United_States_by_state]List of alcohol laws of the United States by state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

State of Delaware states that no person under 21 can even go into a liquor store.

I would imagine any ID'ing of individuals in an establishment beyond the person purchasing is set by the establishment themselves. Just covering their asses.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;716646][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alcohol_laws_of_the_United_States_by_state"]List of alcohol laws of the United States by state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/URL]

State of Delaware states that no person under 21 can even go into a liquor store.

I would imagine any ID'ing of individuals in an establishment beyond the person purchasing is set by the establishment themselves.[B][I] Just covering their asses.[/I][/B][/quote]

I can see that, but why even have a policy to card both parties when it's so easily gotten around? It just makes a giant hassle for everyone involved. Often, my wife doesn't even bring her purse in to stores. We just know we have to at Kroger because they're being giant d-bags.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

It's a hassle yes, but they are covering their asses. And being in a college town, I would imagine they get underage drinkers by the bus full in there all the time with of-age adults buying them booze. If they keep their liquor license because they card everyone in line, then you still have the option of buying your 30 of Keystone Light when you get groceries. If they get busted, you'll have to make a 2nd stop, like the rest of us schleps here in Maryland (well, certain counties anyways).

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Shoot I just turned 21 in February and I've never been carded. I was buying Alcohol (be it rubbing or otherwise) Since I was 17. It must be the beard.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I swear I get carded more often buying video games than I do buying booze, and I'm 27 and I look 27.

I have one liquor store near my house that I used to go to a lot and I can only remember being carded there one time. I was chewing gum and for some reason as I was waiting for the guy to swipe my card I blew a big bubble and the guy instantly asked for my ID. I guess that goes to show you, people won't respect you as an adult if you're blowing bubbles with your gum.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Alcohol and drugs are readily available at any age at any time, if the price is right. To pretend they aren't is idiotic.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;716440]Sometimes this country can be so childish. In Europe and Asia no one gives a shit if you drink or how old you are when you chose to do it. It's no big deal. Over here it's a big deal, thus kids want the forbidden fruit, and binge when they do get it.[/quote]

They also like soccer over there.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

In some states it is the law that you show ID regardless of how old you look and in other's it's left to the discretion of the establishments. Most establishment in WA will always card you because of the potential for fines and imprisonment. ID everyone...better safe than sorry...seems reasonable.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

state laws are really strict on serving alcohol. last year i know that this kinda new bartender at this real nice bar/restaurant. they were packed. this guy comes up and orders 2 beers. bartender asks for id, looks at it, the guy is over 21 gives him the 2 beers.

the guy was an undercover, busted the bartender for not asking for 2 ids since there were 2 beers. the bar tender as well as the establishment get somethign like a 1000 fine each.

i know you must ask for id before taking cash or handing over any alcohol as well.

the undercover stuff happens or they come into your place at 9:30 pm with their badges and ask to see your liq license even though you have it posted out on your front window b/c they constantly come by to harass you. they just want to come in, flash a badge and pull their shirt up so you can see their gun. pretty f'in lame how some of the younger guys act. then they will try and small talk and hit on the ladies. f'in herbs.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=Buster;717020]They also like soccer over there.[/quote]

I didn't say they did everything right.

They have whores on the sides of the road too.

Honestly, if a kid can go off and die in the military, who is to say he can't smoke a joint or drink a beer? What's more immoral, catching a buzz or shooting people?

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

A friend of mine runs a beer and wine store here in Maryland only three blocks from my house. He make a point of carding anyome who looks to be under age, or anywhere close to it.

He has come very close to losing his license on more than one occasion for selling to underage patrons. The penalties are stiff and the fines are astronomical, merchants are now taking all necessary precautions to protect themselves.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;717090]I didn't say they did everything right.

They have whores on the sides of the road too.

Honestly, if a kid can go off and die in the military, who is to say he can't smoke a joint or drink a beer? What's more immoral, catching a buzz or shooting people?[/quote]

A long time ago the drinking age should've been dropped down to 18 instead of 21.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;717090]I didn't say they did everything right.

They have whores on the sides of the road too.

[B]Honestly, if a kid can go off and die in the military, who is to say he can't smoke a joint or drink a beer? What's more immoral, catching a buzz or shooting people?[/B][/quote]

Agreed. Don't feel that way about soccer though.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=over the mountain;717050]state laws are really strict on serving alcohol. last year i know that this kinda new bartender at this real nice bar/restaurant. they were packed. this guy comes up and orders 2 beers. bartender asks for id, looks at it, the guy is over 21 gives him the 2 beers.

the guy was an undercover, busted the bartender for not asking for 2 ids since there were 2 beers. the bar tender as well as the establishment get somethign like a 1000 fine each.

i know you must ask for id before taking cash or handing over any alcohol as well.
[B]
the undercover stuff happens or they come into your place at 9:30 pm with their badges and ask to see your liq license even though you have it posted out on your front window b/c they constantly come by to harass you. they just want to come in, flash a badge and pull their shirt up so you can see their gun. pretty f'in lame how some of the younger guys act. then they will try and small talk and hit on the ladies. f'in herbs[/B].[/quote]

I work in the industry, and I've never once seen any ATF or local enforcement come in and flash badges or guns just to flex. As long as your bartenders make sure they see one ID per drink and they card age appropriately, your establishment will never have an issue. Unless you have employees who have otherwise pissed off the powers that be.

What's funny to me is that in Montgomery County they send their own groups of undercover around looking to bust establishments, yet their own stores - that by law sell all the booze that any restaurant in the county is allowed to sell - are wildly inconsistent and stupid about their ID-ing procedures. Ahhhh, government.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;717175]A long time ago the drinking age should've been dropped down to 18 instead of 21.[/quote]

I'm not sure I follow you girl? Before Nancy Reagan got the Federal government to blackmail the States, the drinking age was 18 in many states.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

You do live in a college town. I am sure that changes things a little bit. What Scud said is right. They follow the rules...which is pretty easy to do...and they're golden. The only thing I would add is that they also cant serve to someone who is drunk. That one is harder to follow and subject to a great amount of interpretation. A place of business here has been open for 13 years and never once had a violation...that in and of itself is amazing. Then last fall an idiot comes in drunk...the bar-tender who has no idea serves him and they get hit with a 10-day suspension. This place is probably the most diligent place I have ever seen about alcohol and the ABC hits them up. Stupidity.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I'm not sure if I didn't read right, or maybe I'm nuts, but does anyone know why grocery stores still card both people?

I mean I understand the idea of someone "covering their asses", but I don't see how that is going to stop people who are actually trying to do something sketchy. It's a rule that's inconveniencing law-abiding people 99% of the time. If I was buying for someone underage, I'm not taking them through the line with me and handing it off to them inside the store. I think the store is protecting as long as I'M carded. After that, it's MY fault for getting busted for distributing to a minor.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

As discussed above, depending on the establishment, each drink purchased will have to have legal ID to match. In your case, since there are 2 people line to purchase the alcohol, they have to card both per rules of the establishment. Now, if said establishment sells alcohol to a group of 4 people and only cards one, then you have a case to wonder why you 2 are being carded. I've been to places where I've needed to show more than 1 ID to buy a round of drinks. I think the principle is the same here. If you are in line, it's assumed that you are going to imbibe in the alcohol purchased, or at least in the establishment's eyes. Not that I think it's justified, but if you are concerned about it, speak to the store manager and get clarification.

You do realize that the simple way of getting around this is to have one of you not be in line when you buy the alcohol...

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

I know, but I think that's ridiculous. It's just the fact that nowhere else in my entire town, including the ABC store does this happen.

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Sure it's ridiculous and overbearing and inconvenient, but for a store to have such a policy means at one time or another, they've been busted for such an event and are taking precautions to not get busted again. Add on the fact that you're in a college town, and would be easier to add alcohol to a larger purchase than alcohol alone (say freshman and roommate are buying groceries and tries to sneak a 6er past the goaltender) at an ABC store could be why the Kroger is being a big stick in the mud.

Yeah it sucks and annoying and you want to throw cashier boy through the storefront window, but is it really all that bad?

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

Meh, kind of. :D

I only say "kind of" because they're ball-breakers about it. It's one thing with the cashier obviously acts like they don't want to do it, but it's another when they put on their cape are like, I'm "SUPER ID-CASHIER!".

Re: Question about IDs for alcohol...
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;717380]Sure it's ridiculous and overbearing and inconvenient, but for a store to have such a policy means at one time or another, they've been busted for such an event and are taking precautions to not get busted again. Add on the fact that you're in a college town, and would be easier to add alcohol to a larger purchase than alcohol alone (say freshman and roommate are buying groceries and tries to sneak a 6er past the goaltender) at an ABC store could be why the Kroger is being a big stick in the mud.

Yeah it sucks and annoying and you want to throw cashier boy through the storefront window, but is it really all that bad?[/quote]

But obviously from my other thread, it kind of puts things in perspective of what I should get upset about...