What action should be taken if a customer refuses to show identification when purchasing alcohol?

When a customer refuses to show identification while attempting to purchase alcohol, the appropriate action is to politely refuse to sell them alcohol. This decision is based on legal requirements regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, which mandate that sellers verify the age of their customers to prevent sales to minors.

The refusal to provide identification is a clear indication that the customer may not be willing or able to confirm their legal age, which places the seller in a position of liability should a sale occur without proper verification. By not selling alcohol in such cases, you ensure compliance with laws designed to protect public health and safety, and also mitigate risks associated with potential penalties that could result from selling to someone who does not meet age requirements.

This approach also reflects professionalism and adherence to the policies of responsible alcohol service. It reinforces the importance of checking IDs as a standard practice and shows that the establishment takes its responsibility seriously, maintaining compliance with local and state laws.