Washington MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) Practice Exam

What should a server do if they are unsure about the validity of an ID?

1. Verify with a manager or refuse to serve

2. Serve the customer to ensure satisfaction

3. Ask the customer for a refund

4. Automatically reject the ID

The correct answer is: Verify with a manager or refuse to serve

When a server is unsure about the validity of an ID, the most responsible action is to verify the situation with a manager or refuse to serve. This approach underscores the importance of adhering to regulations surrounding alcohol sales, which are in place to prevent underage drinking and to maintain compliance with state laws. By consulting a manager, the server can seek guidance from someone with more experience or authority, ensuring that the decision made is both informed and in line with company policy. Refusing to serve the customer in this scenario is also a protective measure, as it minimizes the potential risk of serving alcohol to someone who may not be of legal drinking age. In contrast, serving the customer despite uncertainty could lead to serious legal repercussions for both the server and the establishment, including fines and loss of license. Asking the customer for a refund does not address the issue of ID validity and is not a relevant option in this context. Automatically rejecting the ID could lead to unnecessary confrontation and does not provide an opportunity to validate the customer’s identity properly. Thus, involving a manager or refusing service is the most prudent choice.