ALCOHOL enthusiasts are being warned about a new rule that could see them turned away from buying their next drink.
The new law requires all bars, restaurants, and breweries to check identification for every alcohol purchase with no exceptions.
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Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, passed the ordinance in December expanding mandatory ID checks for alcohol purchases.
It went into effect on March 1. Before the change, ID checks were only required at liquor stores.
Now, whether you’re 25 or 65, don’t expect to get a drink without showing your ID.
The change aims to prevent underage drinking and stop alcohol sales to people with restricted licenses, which are marked with a “red stripe” due to previous alcohol-related offenses, Alaska News Source reported.
Around 2,210 Anchorage residents currently have restricted licenses and aren’t allowed to buy alcohol due to violent or reckless behavior.
In arguing for the change, lawmakers pointed out the state has the second-highest alcohol-related mortality rate in the nation.
An average of 562 Alaskans died each year from alcohol-related causes between 2015 and 2019.
And 29% of fatal crashes in the state occurred in Anchorage, according to data from Alaska’s Department of Transportation.
“Amongst other alcohol-related issues, we had a number of pedestrian fatalities,” Assembly Member Zac Johnson, who was one of the sponsors of the ordinance, said.
“You might be in your 70s, you might have that red stripe, right? I mean, that’s kind of the blind spot right now.
“If you’re not checking everyone’s ID, then how are you making sure these people with the red stripes are not getting served?”
Businesses are adjusting to the change, and the reaction has been mixed.
At Turnagain Brewing, co-owner Mary Rosenzweig said customers are mostly cooperative, though many have made snarky comments about the hassle.
“So far, nobody has taken my head off,” she added.
Assembly Member Karen Bronga, who pushed for the new rule, said it’s about public safety, but some patrons are fuming, Anchorage Daily News reported.
One over-60 man even emailed her, upset about being asked for an ID.
Businesses are also grappling with the logistical challenge and even employees must show ID if they want a drink after their shift.
“Everybody has to be IDed, even if they work at the place,” Rosenzweig said.
Alternative ways to get home if impaired
Driving impaired is not only illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous – here are ways the AAA suggests getting home if you’ve overindulged.
- Establish a designated driver (DD). If you’re celebrating with a group, determine who will be responsibly driving the group home. To avoid any irreversible accidents, have the DD collect everyone’s keys at the beginning of the night.
- Utilize public transportation. Depending on your location, you might be able to take a bus, monorail, shuttle, or train home. It may come with a fare, but it’s cheaper than a DUI or someone’s life.
- Go with ride-sharing. Uber or Lyft are great options. If you’ve never used either service before, create an account and download the app before celebrating. Taxis are also an option.
- If you live in FL, GA, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte) and IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend), you can call AAA’s Tow 2 Go number, (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.
Source: AAA
To track who’s been IDed, Turnagain Brewing created hand stamps with the brewery’s salmon logo on them.
Naomi Stock, taproom manager at Onsite Brewing, said the changes are confusing and she’s bracing for tourists who are often less compliant with local laws.
The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant, and Retailers Association (CHARR) also raised concerns about the added strain on businesses, especially with staff shortages.
It warned the law could slow down service at busy spots, particularly during peak hours.
There’s also confusion around what counts as a valid ID.
Residents with restricted licenses can use a passport or another ID rather than their ID with the red stripe on it.
Bronga admitted the law could be an inconvenience but stood firm, saying it’s a win if it helps prevent an alcohol-related tragedy.
Some businesses, like Onsite Brewing, are preparing customers by posting signs ahead of time.
