Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Practice Exam

When determining if a customer is of legal drinking age, what is the most effective course of action?

1. Estimate based on their appearance.

2. Always ask for and check their ID.

3. Use a birth year calculator.

4. Ask their friends if they are of age.

The correct answer is: Always ask for and check their ID.

Always asking for and checking a customer's ID is the most effective course of action when determining if someone is of legal drinking age. This practice ensures that the server or seller is adhering to legal requirements and regulations designed to prevent underage drinking. By checking a valid form of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or identification card, the seller can verify the customer's age accurately. Estimating someone's age based on their appearance is inherently unreliable, as people can often look older or younger than they actually are. Similarly, using a birth year calculator can also lead to errors, especially if the individual does not provide accurate or complete information. Asking friends for verification is not a reliable method, as friends may not be certain of each other's ages, and this method does not provide the necessary legal verification required by law. Thus, consistently checking IDs is the best practice to ensure compliance and promote responsible service of alcohol.