What does the acronym FEAR represent in the context of ID validation?

The acronym FEAR stands for Feel, Examine, Ask, Return/Refuse, which is a systematic approach to ID validation used to ensure that the identification presented is legitimate and that the person is of legal age to purchase alcohol or cannabis.

• Feel refers to physically handling the ID to assess its texture and weight, which can help determine if it feels authentic or counterfeit.
• Examine involves scrutinizing the ID for any signs of tampering or discrepancies, such as incorrect holograms, missing information, or any other elements that may indicate it isn’t genuine.
• Ask entails engaging with the individual to confirm the information on the ID, such as asking them questions about their birth date, ensuring they can provide coherent answers that correlate with the ID details.
• Return/Refuse is the final step where you either return the ID if it is valid or refuse service if you have determined the ID is not authentic or the individual is underage.

Using this methodical approach helps staff to responsibly check IDs and ensure compliance with OLCC regulations, ultimately promoting safe and legal alcohol and cannabis sales.