🎯 ID Check Mode Activated: The Most Common ID Errors Servers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Feb 25 / Al Fon50

Busy shift. Line forming. Music loud. Someone hands you an ID.

You look. You calculate. You pour.

But did you really check it?

Let’s break down the most common ID slip-ups servers make — and how to avoid becoming the one who learns the hard way.

🗓️ Only Checking the Birthdate

You find the year.
You do the math.
They’re 22. Cool.

But that’s only one piece of the puzzle.

What else should you be checking?

  • Expiration date
  • Photo match
  • Height, weight, eye color
  • Signs of tampering
  • Vertical (under-21) format

The birthdate tells you how old they claim to be.
The rest tells you whether the ID is legitimate.

👀 Quick Tip: Use the 4-Point ID Check — Date. Photo. Expiration. Condition. Every time.

⏱️ Rushing Because It’s Busy

Game day.
Holiday weekend.
Friday night at 10:30 PM.

This is when problems happen — not during slow Tuesday shifts.

When the bar is deep and tickets are flying, it’s easy to:

  • Glance instead of inspect
  • Skip checking the back
  • Let pressure rush you
But here’s the truth: citations happen during chaos.

Five extra seconds of checking is faster than months of dealing with fines or suspension.

Slow is smooth. Smooth is compliant.

🙋 “They Already Checked It”

The bartender saw it.
The hostess glanced at it.
Your coworker said it was fine.

Doesn’t matter.

In Illinois, liability follows the person who serves the alcohol.

If you pour the drink, you own the decision.

No shared blame. No “but they said.”
Your hands. Your responsibility.

📅Ignoring the Expiration Date

It happens more than you think.

The guest is clearly over 21 — but their ID expired last month.

An expired ID is not valid identification.

Even if they’re 45.
Even if they “just haven’t renewed it yet.”
Even if they swear they’re old enough.

Valid ID means valid — not almost.

🤨 Not Trusting Your Gut

Something feels off.

The photo looks slightly different.
They hesitate when you ask a simple question.
The laminate feels strange.

But the line is long.
They seem confident.
You don’t want confrontation.

So you let it slide.

Your instincts are trained by experience. If something feels off, it probably is.

You are allowed to:

Ask for a second form of ID

Ask a verification question (zip code, middle name)

Call a manager

Refuse service

Confidence prevents compliance problems.

📍 Why It Matters in Illinois

Illinois alcohol service laws aren’t suggestions — they’re enforced.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) requires BASSET certification for bartenders, servers, bouncers, and anyone responsible for checking IDs or serving alcohol.

Serving a minor can mean:

  • Fines
  • Suspension of your establishment’s liquor license
  • Mandatory hearings
  • Personal consequences

This isn’t just about policy — it’s about protecting your job and your future in hospitality.

🎓 Stay Ready: Keep Your Certification Current

Even experienced servers benefit from refreshing their knowledge.

Alcohol laws evolve. Enforcement increases. Standards tighten.

Keeping your BASSET certification current isn’t just about meeting a requirement — it’s about protecting yourself, your coworkers, and your establishment.

At IllinoisBASSET.com, staying compliant is simple, fast, and affordable.

BASSET Training — $12.95
👉 Enroll Now

Food Handler Training — $12.95
👉 Get Certified

Experience builds instincts. Certification builds protection.

🧡 Bottom Line: Five Seconds Is Cheaper Than a Fine

Every shift has pressure.
Every bar gets busy.
Every server gets rushed.

But checking IDs thoroughly is one of the most important things you do.

Five extra seconds today can save months of stress tomorrow.

Stay sharp.
Stay compliant.
And yes — always check the expiration date.