Author: TAM of Nevada

Fake IDs Are Going High-Tech. Do You Know How to Spot Them?

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

Fake IDsMany college and high school students used to turn to peers with photo software and laminating machines to produce fake ID’s. Hospitality professionals and police officers alike are trained on how to spot these, but recently more sophisticated and convincing fake IDs have begun appearing on the market. Alarmingly, a new breed of fake identification, complete with holographs and barcodes, is popping up in more and more states, and it can be almost impossible to tell them apart from the real thing. For a few hundred dollars, enterprising teenagers and young adults are able to secure very realistic fake driver’s licenses and are finding it easier than ever to enter bars and clubs and purchase liquor. Are you aware of these new high-tech fake IDs, and are you making sure you aren’t getting duped?

Reporter Ashley Halsey of the Washington Post recently reported on this new wave of identification being produced in China in her article, “New Generation of Fake IDs Flinging Open Doors to Underage Drinking.” These fake IDs are being produced using real photos, signatures and identifying information specific to the purchaser, and even police officials and experienced bartenders are having a difficult time telling these apart from real IDs. So what can you do to make sure you’re looking at a legit driver’s license?

If your establishment uses a bar code reader to check identification, you may be in luck. The type of ID reported about in the article cited here has identifiers which are being flagged as bogus by card readers. Specifically, you can look for the words, “by PARTiTek” on the readout. Additionally, make sure you are up-to-date on your TAM® training, and remaining vigilant about traditional ways to spot bogus identification.

Still want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help prevent underage drinking? Check out our blog posts, “Are Minors Using Fake IDs and Sneaking Past You?” and “ID Scanners – Friend or Foe?”

TAM® Card Holders, what are some tricks that you’ve seen used by fake ID holders? What would have been helpful to know when you first started checking IDs?

Resources

New Generation of Fake IDs Flinging Open Doors to Underage Drinking – Washington Post

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

 

Are You Prepared for an Alcohol Awareness Card Check?

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

Reno SignSellers and servers of alcohol in Washoe and Clark counties are required to complete alcohol education and obtain an alcohol awareness card prior to the start of work. If an undercover officer came to your place of employment today to check the status of alcohol awareness card holders, would you be in compliance?

Establishments need to be diligent in requiring staff to check ID’s when making alcohol sales. Every establishment needs policies and procedures to prevent underage persons from obtaining alcohol, and to protect themselves from liability, and the public from harm. Decoy operations are not just used to catch those selling alcohol to minors, they can also be used to check the validity of your alcohol education card and whether it is expired.

According to Fox Reno, officers on the Street Enforcement Team in Reno, Nevada recently completed alcohol compliance checks at bars and casinos around Reno, and results were surprising. Detectives used underage decoys to enter establishments and try to purchase alcohol. Of the twenty locations visited, bartenders at seven of those locations were cited for selling alcohol to a minor! Remember, selling alcohol to a minor is a very serious offense. TAM® of Nevada provides alcohol awareness training which covers all aspects of furnishing alcohol to a minor, and provides training on spotting fake IDs. Service professionals must be aware of the facts and dangers of teenage drinking and diligent about checking identification.

Additionally, if you are busted serving alcohol to a minor, one of the first things law enforcement and your employer may do is look at your alcohol education card. Of the twenty bartenders mentioned above, all were carrying an alcohol education card. Not all training is created equal; completing your alcohol awareness course with TAM® of Nevada shows you’re serious about obtaining the best alcohol education possible.

Don’t put yourself at risk, always ask for identification, and get educated on effective ways to help stop teen drinking.

Resources

Undercover Alcohol Compliance Check Results in Casino Citations – Fox Reno

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

 

Las Vegas Restaurant Week is Coming. Are You Ready for the Crowds?

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

Las Vegas Restaurant WeekLas Vegas Restaurant Week is returning to town once again from August 29th through September 11th at many of the area’s hottest restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, this event continues to be a resounding success and something for diners to look forward to. Restaurant Week offers up the chance for diners to check out some of the most popular eateries on and off the strip if they haven’t had the chance (or the budget!) just yet. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each meal sold at participating restaurants will go to support Three Square Food Bank. How cool is that?

What does that mean for hospitality professionals? Prepare to be VERY busy! Expect crowds of hungry diners eager to sample cuisine from the over 80 participating restaurants over the two week period. Diners are heavily encouraged to make reservations, so that removes the element of surprise for many establishments.

If you are a service professional at a participating restaurant, make sure you are familiar with the prixe fixe menus and are able to answer questions about Restaurant Week options (ex – Menu substitutions, exclusions, etc.). Need a little more advice on how to keep your cool during this busy period? Make sure to read our blog post, “Feel Like You’re Stuck in a Pressure Cooker? Managing Stress on the Job.”

To learn more about Las Vegas Restaurant Week, Three Square Food Bank, and participating restaurants, you can visit the event website here.

Is your establishment participating in Restaurant Week? Which restaurants are you most excited to dine at?

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Are You New to Nevada? You Must Complete Nevada-Specific Alcohol Awareness Training

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

TAM CardAlcohol education cards from out-of-state won’t transfer in Nevada. Industry professionals should complete alcohol awareness training with TAM® of Nevada to meet local requirements.

Are you a new resident in Las Vegas? Welcome to Nevada! Workers are drawn to this great state for its booming entertainment and nightlife industry, and all of the hospitality jobs that come along with the action.

Have you already received job-related alcohol training in another state? We often receive inquiries from out-of-state students asking if their alcohol education cards and education are valid in Nevada. Unfortunately, liquor laws are specific to the states, counties and municipalities, so no, alcohol licenses are not transferable. All individuals hoping to work in the beverage sales and service industry in Nevada must complete an alcohol training program that has been approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. TAM® of Nevada is an approved provider, and the only official provider of TAM® Cards in the state of Nevada.

Individuals that need to obtain their TAM® Card can complete their training online or in a traditional classroom environment with our certified instructors. Additionally, we now offer open lab time on Tuesdays for students who would like to complete their alcohol awareness training online, but do not have access to a computer. Students are welcome to visit our training center and use our computer lab to complete their training on Tuesdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Likewise, classroom-based training is available at several convenient times throughout the week, including Spanish classes on Tuesday evenings. Check out our alcohol awareness class schedule to find a class that is convenient for you!

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada