Age Verification


The process of checking a customer’s government-issued ID to ensure they meet the legal drinking age before serving or selling alcohol.

Related Terms

Public Drinking Areas

Some municipalities allow open alcohol containers in defined zones (e.g., entertainment districts...

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Alcohol Service Refusal

The right and responsibility of a seller/server to deny serving alcohol to an individual who cann...

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Smart Serve Signage

Signs placed at bars reminding staff and patrons about responsible alcohol consumption and ID che...

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TABC Seller Server Course

A training program mandated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for employees who sell or ...

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Bouncer Responsibilities

Staff stationed at the entrance to check IDs, enforce dress codes, and manage crowd control in ba...

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Fake IDs

Counterfeit or altered identification cards presented by minors to purchase alcohol. TABC emphasi...

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TABC Certification

The official recognition from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission that a seller or server has...

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Wine Bottle Storage

Proper handling of corked or screw-top bottles, keeping them in a cool, dark place. TABC laws req...

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TABC Poster Requirements

Mandatory display of certain TABC-approved signs (e.g., “No Minors Allowed” or “We Check ID”) at ...

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Non-Certified Employee Limitations

Individuals lacking a food handler certificate or TABC server training may perform only non-food ...

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Weighted Staffing for TABC Compliance

Ensuring enough TABC-certified employees are present per shift to supervise alcohol sales, preven...

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Self-Serve Beverage Station

A setup allowing customers to pour their own drinks; food handlers must monitor cleanliness, refi...

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Alcoholic Beverage Service

The act of selling, mixing, or serving beer, wine, or spirits. TABC requires completion of a sell...

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Patron BYOB Rules

“Bring Your Own Bottle” policies differ among establishments. TABC requires controlling minors’ a...

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“No Substitutions” Policy

Some restaurants restrict changes to dishes. TXDSHS is neutral unless it affects allergen or temp...

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Nonprofit Fundraiser Alcohol Sales

Special TABC provisions allow nonprofits to serve alcohol at temporary events with fewer restrict...

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Observational Checklist

A tool used by managers to monitor staff compliance with hand washing, temperature logs, or ID ch...

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Minor in Possession

A legal violation when anyone under 21 is caught purchasing, attempting to purchase, or possessin...

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Self-Pour Tap Walls

Automated dispensers allowing customers to pour their own beer or wine via a card system. TABC ru...

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Tablet-Based POS Systems

Digital ordering and payment tools often used tableside; staff must log out to avoid unauthorized...

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Child Labor in Food Service

Texas law restricts minors from certain kitchen or bar tasks; TXDSHS sees them as high risk for i...

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Splitting Checks Policy

Procedures for handling multiple payments; some businesses require only certain staff handle alco...

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Brown Bagging Policy (Brought-From-Home Alcohol)

Patrons bringing their own alcoholic beverages to consume on-site. TABC allows this in certain es...

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On-Premise vs. Off-Premise Sales

On-premise refers to consumption at the establishment (bars/restaurants), while off-premise indic...

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Intoxication Assessment

Judging a patron’s sobriety level by observing speech, coordination, and behavior. TABC training ...

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Mocktail Menu

A non-alcoholic drink list, often provided to minors or designated drivers; TABC encourages offer...

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TABC Private Club Permit

A license for establishments operating as private clubs in “dry” areas. Members pay dues, and sta...

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Cider and Perry Handling

Fermented apple or pear beverages with varying ABV. TABC laws treat them like wine or beer, so st...

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Designated Driver Promotions

Campaigns encouraging one person in a group to remain sober; TABC endorses establishments offerin...

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TABC Sting Operations

Undercover efforts by TABC using underage decoys or visibly intoxicated patrons to test staff com...

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