Currently, retailers are required to see photo identification for customers purchasing alcoholic beverages regardless of age. Many older citizens, who believe they are too old to be required to show identification, complained the process was more nuisance than necessity. "We are addressing an issue that many of our constituents have complained about," said Rep. Steuerwald. "This bill maintains safety and responsibility while restoring common sense." Under Senate Bill 78, retailers would only be required to see photo identification for customers who appear to be less than 40 years old. The bill does not prevent retailers from continuing their own policy to ask each customer to produce identification, but law would no longer require it. "Senate Bill 78 does not change the law stating that it is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor," said Rep. Steuerwald. "Retailers will be allowed to make more convenient for older customers to make purchases." An amendment to the bill would also assign potentially dangerous alcohol products, such as alcoholic beverages packaged as energy drinks, to a summer study committee for further research. -30-
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