Episode 12 - Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time
Episode 12 - Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time
Hey Store Manager! Mike back with you on "Smoke Break." Today we're talking about one of the most critical parts of your job - alcohol and tobacco compliance. One mistake here can cost you your license, your job, or both.
You know that pit in your stomach when you hear about a store failing an ID check? Let's make sure that never happens to you. This isn't just about following rules - it's about protecting young people and your business.
First rule: card everyone who looks under 35. Some stores say 30, some say 40 - but 35 gives you a good safety margin. Train your team to make it automatic. No exceptions, no matter what. Even if it's a regular customer, even if they look older, even if they get annoyed.
Your ID checking equipment is only as good as the person using it. Teach your team to really look at IDs, not just scan them. Check the photo, check the birthdate, check for signs of tampering. UV lights and ID scanners are great tools, but they're not foolproof.
Time matters with alcohol sales. Know your local laws about when you can and can't sell. Post these hours clearly. Set your POS system to block sales outside legal hours. One sale at the wrong time can mean big trouble.
Here's something crucial - educating your team about fake IDs. They're getting better all the time. Teach your staff what real IDs look like and feel like. If an ID feels wrong, it probably is. When in doubt, don't make the sale.
Group purchases need special attention. Watch for adults buying for minors. If someone outside is clearly waiting for the buyer, that's a red flag. Trust your gut - if something feels off, refuse the sale.
Document everything. Keep a refusal log. Note when you refuse sales and why. This shows you're serious about compliance and gives you a record if questions come up later.
Question: Why is it important to card customers who appear well over the minimum age requirement?
Think about it. The answer? Consistent carding eliminates judgment calls and potential mistakes. It also prevents accusations of discrimination and shows regulatory agencies you take compliance seriously.
Your action item for this week: Review your last month of alcohol and tobacco sales records. Look for any patterns in timing or volume that might signal problems. Then do a surprise ID check audit with your team to ensure everyone's following procedure.
Hit that subscribe button for more "Smoke Break" episodes. Share these tips with other managers - we're all responsible for keeping age-restricted products away from youth.
For more great content about running a compliant store, visit cstorethrive.com.
That's it for today, Store Manager. Next time, we'll cover environmental compliance. Until then, keep those IDs checked and your license secure!
