What could happen if a restaurant served alcohol to minors?

Juliαnnα ‹з: What could happen if a restaurant served alcohol to minors?
My friend told me she was at a restaurant last week with another one of our friends. We’re all 16. She told me how the waiter asked if he could “interest you ladies to some martinis”. They accepted. Just assumed they were of legal age and didn’t check ID or anything. I guess you could say that we look older than we really are, but what are the consequences? Would the restaurant be at fault or my friends?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Monique
Well, I have been on both ends of this situation. When I was underage, I looked old enough and was able to get drinks at some places. The restaurant I am working at now has been busted for serving to minors twice in the last 10 years. The first time was in-store; a kid got a drink without being ID-ed and there just so happened to be a cop eating there that knew the kid. There was a HUGE fine for the restaurant and the kid got in trouble and got a minor in consumption ticket. The second time was a set up by the cops on quite a few restaurants that delivered beer/wine. We delivered to a guy that looked old enough, but was only 19. The fine was twice as much and one more bust and no more liquor license. Just be careful I guess, and don’t get caught! 🙂

Answer by G&M
Both. I think the minor would get a ticket, the restaurant would get a fine and, depending on the number of previous offenses, could lose their liquor license.

Answer by Nicolette S
Pretty sure the server and/or bartender can go to jail. The place could also lose their liquor license.

Answer by dalbax2
The restaurant would face a huge fine and loss of alcohol license. The minor could also face a fine. I would say you are both at fault….the restaraunt because they failed to check for ID but also you for accepting knowing you were not of legal age.

Answer by LilyRose
they lose their license to serve alcohol to anyone and then they lose business and money…

Answer by Karamazov
the restaurant would be liable for any accidents—plus If they’re caught they’re fined, and if they’re caught a few times the restaurant can be closed. Forced to shut down.