Vertical Ids: Beer Buying Confusion And Legal Consequences

In the United States, vertical IDs are typically issued to drivers under the age of 21. While some states require a horizontal ID to purchase alcohol, there is no federal law mandating this. Each state has its own alcohol regulations, and in some states, such as Kentucky, a vertical ID is acceptable as long as the purchaser is over the age of 21. However, businesses may have their own policies and refuse to sell alcohol to customers with vertical IDs, even if they are of legal age.

Vertical IDs are often used to designate underage drinkers, but some people over 21 still have them

Vertical IDs are often used to designate underage drinkers, but some people over 21 may still have them. In the United States, most states issue vertical IDs to individuals under the age of 21 to make it easier for establishments that sell alcohol to identify underage drinkers. This means that at a glance, bartenders and servers can tell if a customer is not legally able to purchase alcohol. Once an individual turns 21, they are typically eligible for a horizontal ID, which is given to people of legal drinking age.

However, it is important to note that the process of replacing an ID varies from state to state. In some states, IDs are set to expire soon after the holder turns 21, requiring them to get a new, horizontal ID. In other states, vertical licenses can remain in use for much longer. For example, in Florida and Alabama, vertical licenses are valid until just a few months before the holder's 24th birthday. This means that there are people over 21 who still have vertical IDs.

The discrepancy between states' ID policies can lead to confusion and inconsistency in the enforcement of alcohol sales restrictions. For instance, in Maryland, it is not uncommon for restaurants and bars to refuse service to vertical ID holders, even if they are over 21. While there is no state law mandating this practice, local regulations and recommendations may incentivize businesses to turn away vertical ID holders to lower their risk of accidentally selling alcohol to minors. This can result in legal, paying customers being turned away, even if they are of legal drinking age.

To avoid such situations, individuals with vertical IDs who are over 21 may choose to get an updated, horizontal ID. However, it is important to note that establishments are not legally required to serve alcohol to anyone, and they can deny service at their discretion. Additionally, each state and local jurisdiction has its own statutes regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, and it is essential to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your area.

Many US states give vertical licenses to drivers under 21

In the United States, driver's licenses are issued by each individual state, territory, and the District of Columbia. In most states, a vertical license is issued to individuals under the age of 21, while a horizontal license is given to those 21 and over. This difference in orientation makes it easy to determine whether a person is legally allowed to purchase alcohol or tobacco, as the drinking and tobacco age in all U.S. states is 21.

Most states give vertical licenses to drivers under 21, presumably to make it easier for bartenders and servers to weed out underage drinkers. In some states, such as Maryland, vertical licenses are set to expire soon after the holder turns 21, further clarifying their drinking status. However, in other states, such as Florida and Alabama, vertical licenses can remain in use for much longer.

While there is no federal law requiring the use of vertical licenses for underage drivers, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has released design standards that many U.S. states follow. These standards specify that driver's licenses for those under 21 should be vertical, while horizontal licenses are for those 21 and over.

It is important to note that even if an individual is 21 or older, they may still be carrying a vertical license that has not yet expired. Additionally, the person selling alcohol can deny the purchase based on the type of ID presented, even if the ID shows that the customer is 21 or older.

In some states, vertical licenses are set to expire soon after the holder turns 21

In some states, such as Maryland, vertical licenses are set to expire soon after the holder turns 21. This is to make it easier for establishments that serve alcohol to identify underage drinkers. However, this is not a state law in Maryland, and the state's alcohol and tobacco commission director has confirmed that there is no mention of ID orientation in the state's regulations. Nevertheless, businesses in Maryland tend to turn away customers with vertical IDs to lower the risk of accidentally selling alcohol to minors. This practice is further incentivized by local regulations and suggestions, such as Frederick County's "Responsible Sales Policy," which recommends that businesses do not accept vertical IDs.

In other states, vertical licenses can remain in use for much longer. For example, in Florida and Alabama, vertical licenses are valid until a few months before the holder's 24th birthday. This variation in license expiration dates and local regulations can cause confusion for both customers and businesses, especially when traveling or visiting establishments in different states.

It is important to note that, while vertical licenses are typically issued to individuals under 21, a person who is 21 or older may still possess a vertical license. In such cases, the establishment has a duty to verify the customer's age by checking their ID, even if it is a vertical license. While it is not illegal for a person over 21 to drink alcohol with a vertical license, the establishment may deny the purchase if they choose not to accept that form of ID for alcohol purchases.

To avoid any issues when purchasing alcohol, it is recommended to carry a valid, government-issued identification card with a clear picture and the customer's date of birth. It is also worth noting that some states have specific regulations regarding acceptable forms of identification, so it is always a good idea to check the local laws and guidelines before visiting a new state or establishment.

There is no Maryland law barring the use of vertical IDs in alcohol purchases

While it is not illegal in Maryland to buy alcohol with a vertical ID, many bars and restaurants will turn away customers with this form of identification. This is because, in Maryland, vertical licenses are given to drivers under 21, making it easier for bartenders to identify underage drinkers. In other states, such as Florida and Alabama, vertical licenses can remain in use for longer, and individuals may continue to use them well after their 21st birthday.

Despite the insistence of some servers and online commenters, there is no Maryland law barring the use of vertical IDs in alcohol purchases. According to Jeffrey Kelly, the executive director of the Maryland Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, Maryland law "really doesn't mention anything about what orientation the driver's license has to have." Instead, the law simply obligates sellers to ensure that the person they are selling to is 21 or older.

However, Maryland's narrow range of officially acceptable IDs and stringent local regulations contribute to the tendency of businesses to turn away vertical ID holders. For example, the local government of Frederick County, Maryland, has a suggested "Responsible Sales Policy" that includes a recommendation that businesses do not accept vertical identification cards.

Additionally, Maryland law only permits alcohol sellers to accept a limited number of identification documents, including a Maryland driver's license or ID card, a military ID, or a state-issued electronic driver's license. This differs from neighbouring states such as Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and D.C., which allow businesses to accept any U.S. driver's license. As a result, businesses in Maryland must exercise extra caution when examining out-of-state IDs, which may contribute to their reluctance to accept vertical IDs.

In many states, businesses are allowed to refuse sales to customers without valid IDs

Vertical licenses are typically issued to drivers under the age of 21, although some states allow vertical licenses to remain in use for much longer. For example, in Florida and Alabama, vertical licenses are valid until a few months before the holder's 24th birthday. This makes it easier for establishments that sell age-restricted products to identify underage individuals.

While there is no federal law requiring ID scanning, businesses in most states can choose to scan IDs. This can help them catch fake IDs, reduce errors, and quickly check driver's licenses. ID scanning is mandatory in some states for specific types of sales, such as tobacco and alcohol. Businesses that sell age-restricted products are generally required to verify the age of their customers, and ID scanning can provide legal protection if they unknowingly sell to a minor with a valid-seeming ID.

However, businesses must be careful to comply with their state's ID scanning requirements, which can include restrictions on the information that can be collected and how long it can be stored. Additionally, some states, like New Hampshire, prohibit ID scanning altogether. Ultimately, businesses have the right to refuse service to customers for legitimate reasons, as long as these reasons are applied equally to everyone.

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