Crystal Stump (CEO of ABC Consulting) explains what Underage Buying is.
Pour yourself a drink; you’re going to need it!
The Alcohol Control Enforcement division is actually tasked to going out to test all Virginia licensed locations to test them to see if they will sell to someone under 21.
An UAB (Underage Buyer) is a person under the age of 21 and is a person employed by the Alcohol Beverage Control for the enforcement division. They go out in a controlled operation to test and attempt to purchase alcohol. Here are some truths, that you might not know:
- UAB’s are actually underage
- They are chosen because they look YOUNG (males without facial hair, some have braces, they cannot wear sunglasses or hats or a lot of makeup).They, honestly, look very young.
- They carry and will show a valid ID or Driver’s license
- They are with a Special Agent, who is observing the attempted purchase.
Now you know all about the UAB….but how do they do their job? When your server first sees the UAB, they’ll notice how young the person looks. Then, the UAB will confidently ask for an alcoholic beverage and because this is their job, they don’t appear nervous – which might throw your server off. And this is time for your server’s big decision. Will they ID? Will they read the ID (remember, it is valid and will SHOW the buyer is underage)? Will they serve them, anyway?
In my experience, most people request the ID. But, again, the confidence can throw your employee off from actually reading the ID.
If your server gives the UAB a drink….the UAB doesn’t drink it; they leave. And the Special Agent comes in, shows their ID and proceeds with the arrest. In Virginia, as a first offense, serving an underage buyer carries up to $2,500 fine, 12 months in jail or a 25-day suspension of your license.
What does ABC Consulting recommend if you are served? Cooperate, get your license, get your ID, take good notes and answer respectfully.
If your employees have been trained with our seller/server course, you may be interested to know we have three choices: WINE VA®, BREW VA® and TOAST VA® – but most of our clients take the TOAST VA®. Any course costs $29.95.
Create a policy: when you train your employees, train them to ask “How Old Are You?” UAB’s will tell you their true age. Again, go right now to the website and require the training for all sellers and servers.
Lastly, when a licensee receives the violation report, it can be very confusing. If you need help understanding the civil penalty or want someone to attend the hearing with you, reach out to ABC Consulting. Even if you have questions about negotiating with the Alcohol Beverage Control Hearing division, reach out. We’ll help you read the charges, attend the hearings with you – remember I am not an attorney. But, if you would like me to attend court with you as an expert witness, write to me at Crystal@VAabc.com. I am not an attorney – I am a consultant, but I do have access to expert attorneys, who are well versed in alcohol. Again, I am not an attorney but have been working in the alcohol licensing industry since I was an Underage Buyer for the Virginia ABC Authority. I can answer all your questions and welcome your email. Let’s talk: 800-785-0161
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