Laws against not carding for alcohol?

Question

I really need to know a definite answer to this and can not seem to find it online so far. Is there a fine or penalty for not carding someone in the state of Nevada for an alcoholic beverage? Someone told me recently that if you get caught not carding that you could get a fine or the establishment you are serving in could be fined EVEN IF THE PERSON YOU SERVED ENDS UP BEING OF LEGAL AGE! Is this true?! 

I know there are guidelines for carding (i.e. card everyone that apperas to be under age 40, etc...) but as I understand it, that is not a law, just a suggestion. 

A friend of mine recently lost his job for this. He served a man liquor and then the man's father complained to management that the server (my friend) did not card him and that they were offended. The guy was of legal drinking age though. The bar fired him immediately, stating that they could be fined just because he didn't card the guy, regardless of his true age. 

I'm thinking he may have a wrongful termination lawsuit on his hands (not that he wants to pursue such drastic measures). This got me very curious though as to the laws and regulations in Nevada.

Again, I know there are steep laws against serving minors... What I need to know is if there is a LAW against not carding, and whether or not one could be fined for serving someone without carding them, regardless of actual age. 

Please help. Any info or links you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you so much.

Neil · Accepted Answer

Apparently that establishment had a policy of carding everyone. Yes, your friebd could be fired for not following policy. No law required.

Little Princess · Answer

I can't say how the laws in Nevada are set up, but the law here technically doesn't require bars to card people for alcohol. The catch is that if the bar sells alcohol to a minor, they can keep from getting into trouble only if they did card them and they showed what appeared to be a valid ID indicating the person was old enough. So, to avoid losing their liquor license (the bar's license to print money), they card pretty much everyone, except those who are way obviously old enough.

Some people might feel offended if they're not carded as it's the bartenders way of saying they look old. And no one like to be told they look old (especially old people).

michaelecyr · Answer

Yes, there are laws requiring carding, even if the person is of legal drinking age.  It varies by where you are.  In the USA it varies by state and could even vary by city.  Here in Maine, I don't think we have such a requirement, HOWEVER any employer can set such a policy for their employees and fire them for not complying, even if the law does not require it.

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Laws against not carding for alcohol?

3 Answers