ProServe Alberta overview

ProServe Alberta: Checking ID

AGLC's under-25 ID policy, what valid primary and secondary ID must show, examining ID for tampering, questions that test a fake, refusing politely and ID checks on deliveries.

  • 16 questions
  • Topic drill
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Checking ID · Question 1Score 0/0

Why does AGLC suggest examining ID under a black light?

Study reference: Alberta liquor law and AGLC policy (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Checking ID — Liquor Licensee Handbook s. 5.5 and 3.7; AGLC How to Identify Minors (May 2025); GLCA s. 74

All 16 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. Why does AGLC suggest examining ID under a black light?

    1. It reveals whether the ID has expired
    2. Altered lettering on the ID will show up
    3. It shows the holder's home address
    4. It makes the photo easier to compare
  2. Which of these does NOT meet AGLC's test for valid primary ID?

    1. A colour photocopy of a valid driver's licence
    2. An unexpired Alberta photo identification card
    3. A valid Canadian passport
    4. An unexpired Alberta driver's licence
  3. Under AGLC policy, staff must ask for ID from anyone who appears to be under what age?

    1. 30
    2. 25
    3. 18
    4. 21
  4. A patron shows a government photo card that expired last month. What should staff do?

    1. Accept it, because the birth date has not changed
    2. Accept it if it expired less than a year ago
    3. Accept it if the photo clearly matches the patron
    4. Refuse it, because primary ID must not be expired
  5. A server thinks a patron's licence may not be genuine. What does AGLC policy require next?

    1. Confiscate the licence and call AGLC
    2. Ask for a second piece of identification
    3. Serve the patron a non-alcoholic drink
    4. Accept it if the patron signs a waiver
  6. What can happen to a worker who fails to ask for ID from someone who appears under 25?

    1. They must pay the patron's bar tab
    2. They lose their driver's licence for 30 days
    3. Nothing happens to the worker, because only the licensee is responsible
    4. Their ProServe certification can be suspended or cancelled
  7. A delivery driver brings a liquor order to a customer who looks about 20. What must the driver do?

    1. Hand it over if an adult says it is for them
    2. Check the customer's photo ID before handing over the liquor
    3. Hand it over if the name on the credit card matches the name on the order
    4. Leave the order at the door without contact
  8. A regular who looks 22 returns on Saturday after showing ID on Friday. What does AGLC's guide say?

    1. Anyone appearing under 25 should show ID on each entry
    2. One ID check per week is enough for regulars
    3. Staff may skip the ID check if the manager personally knows the patron
    4. Regulars never need to show ID again
  9. Which feature is required for primary ID but NOT for valid secondary ID?

    1. A photo of the holder
    2. A unique identifier number
    3. The holder's name
    4. A date of birth
  10. A server is unsure whether a patron is over 25. What is AGLC's advice?

    1. Ask the patron's friends their ages
    2. Judge by the patron's clothing and voice
    3. Serve the patron and watch closely
    4. If you are not sure, ask for ID
  11. Besides questions, what else does AGLC suggest to test whether an ID is authentic?

    1. Ask the patron to recite the ID number aloud
    2. Phone the patron's home to confirm the address
    3. Ask a friend at the table to vouch for the patron
    4. Ask for a signature and compare the slope of the writing
  12. Which question is a suggested way to confirm that a doubtful ID belongs to the patron?

    1. "Where did you park your car tonight?"
    2. "What are you planning to drink?"
    3. "Who is paying for your drinks?"
    4. "How do you spell your middle name?"
  13. A refused customer becomes abusive at the door. What does AGLC recommend?

    1. Stay calm and refer the customer to a manager
    2. Give the customer the drink to calm things
    3. Remove the customer by force right away
    4. Argue until the customer admits the age
  14. Which sign of tampering should staff look and feel for on a plastic ID card?

    1. Bubbles or peeling in the laminate
    2. Wear on the corners of the card
    3. A different hairstyle in the photo
    4. A slightly faded colour photo
  15. Which person may NOT deliver a liquor order for an Alberta liquor store?

    1. The licensee personally
    2. An 18-year-old store employee
    3. A 17-year-old store employee
    4. A holder of a delivery service licence
  16. How should staff refuse service to a person who cannot prove they are 18?

    1. Decline politely, explain the AGLC rule and point to the signage
    2. Serve the person one drink so they are not embarrassed in front of friends
    3. Keep the ID and send the person away without a word
    4. Tell the person loudly that fake ID is a crime

Checking ID: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

5.5 Minors (identification)

  • If staff are not satisfied the person is at least 18, they must refuse entry or ask the person to leave.
  • Valid primary ID must have a photo and a name, be issued by a government, include the date of birth, be unexpired, carry a unique identifier number and be an original, not a copy.
  • If the ID does not look genuine, staff must ask for a second piece. Valid secondary ID must have a name, be government issued, have a unique identifier number and include the date of birth (a photo is not required).
  • Examine ID under good light, or use a black light, to check the photo is a true likeness, the laminate has not been tampered with and the name, date of birth and other data have not been altered (altered lettering shows under a black light).

How to Identify Minors: Tips for Licensees and Staff (May 2025)

  • Anyone who appears under 25 should show ID every time they enter.
  • All entry points must be monitored at all times; supervisors must make sure there are adequate steps to identify minors, and every employee is responsible.
  • If you are not sure whether someone is under 25, ask: it is the only way to be sure you meet the policy.
  • Failing to ask for ID from someone who appears under 25 can lead to suspension or cancellation of the worker's SMART certification, warnings, fines or suspension of the liquor licence.
  • Questions that test a doubtful ID: date of birth, spelling of the middle name, postal code, eye colour. Asking for a signature and comparing the slope of the writing also helps.
  • Hold the ID and ask the customer to take it out of the wallet if needed; look and feel for bubbles or peeling laminate, mismatched or covered lettering and a photo that does not match.
  • Saying no: decline politely and professionally, explain that AGLC prohibits sale or service to minors, point to the signage, ask the person to leave and call a supervisor if needed.
  • An abusive customer: stay calm and courteous, refer them to a supervisor or manager, notify management and authorities if needed, and note descriptive details.
  • AGLC recommends licensees give staff training and written house policies for these situations.

Liquor licensee social responsibility material

  • The ID-Under-25 poster explains the under-25 policy to customers; new licensees get it in their welcome package and existing licensees can get one from their inspector.

3.7 Delivery

  • The delivery person must be at least 18 and be the licensee, the licensee's staff (including contracted staff) or a delivery service licensee; a common carrier may also deliver.
  • Liquor may only be delivered where possessing and drinking it is legal, such as a residence, temporary residence or office.
  • Liquor must not be delivered to a minor or an intoxicated person; photo ID must be checked when the person receiving the order appears under 25.

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