How should a licensee handle counterfeit IDs?

• A. Refuse sale to anyone with a counterfeit or questionable ID and report the incident to the proper authorities.
• B. Accept counterfeit IDs if the buyer is polite.
• C. Sell the item but replace with a fake ID.
• D. Ignore the issue and proceed with sale.

Answer: (A)

Counterfeit or questionable IDs put minors at risk and put the licensee at legal risk. The proper approach is to refuse the sale to anyone presenting a counterfeit or questionable ID and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This upholds the law, protects customers, and supports enforcement efforts, while also documenting the incident to show you acted with due diligence. After refusing, follow your establishment’s procedures for handling the situation—keep the conversation respectful, request valid verification if available, and do not complete the sale if no valid ID can be verified. Accepting counterfeit IDs, replacing with a fake, or ignoring the issue would all undermine safety and legal compliance.