Bartender faces scrutiny for serving alcohol without proper age verification in Maryland

A recent St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board meeting highlighted a significant incident involving underage alcohol service at a local establishment. The discussion centered around a bartender's failure to properly verify the age of a customer, leading to a violation of Maryland's alcohol laws.

During the meeting, the bartender recounted an encounter where a young woman ordered a Pinot Grigio but did not have her ID on her. Instead of insisting on proper identification, the bartender relied on the word of the woman’s mother, who claimed her daughter was of legal drinking age. This decision raised concerns among board members about the importance of strict ID checks to prevent underage drinking.

The bartender admitted to asking several questions to establish trust but ultimately acknowledged that he should have demanded to see the ID, regardless of the circumstances. "I just trust in her mom," he stated, reflecting on his judgment during the incident. The board emphasized that serving alcohol to minors is a serious offense, regardless of appearances or verbal assurances.

The meeting underscored the establishment's ID check policy, which requires all patrons to prove their age before being served at the bar. The bartender's lapse in judgment has prompted discussions about reinforcing training and compliance measures to prevent future violations.

As the board deliberates on potential consequences, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance in enforcing alcohol regulations to protect public safety and uphold the law.