What is a key requirement when serving customers to verify age?

• A. Require and inspect valid government-issued photo IDs to verify age before completing a sale.
• B. Ask customers to confirm their age verbally.
• C. Rely on staff discretion based on appearance.
• D. Verify age after completing the sale.

Answer: (A)

When serving alcohol, the essential step is to verify age by requiring a valid government-issued photo ID and inspecting it before completing the sale. This provides an objective, reliable check of the customer's birth date, identity, and that the ID is valid, helping ensure the person is legally allowed to buy alcohol. Verbal confirmation or guessing based on appearance isn’t dependable and can lead to illegal sales or penalties. Verifying after the sale is not permissible, as the sale would already have occurred without proper age verification. By inspecting a government-issued photo ID upfront, you meet legal requirements and protect both the business and customers.