Alaska’s mandatory ID checks: carding the elders

In a sweeping change to Anchorage’s alcohol regulations, a new ordinance now mandates that all patrons — regardless of age — must present valid identification when purchasing alcohol at bars, restaurants and breweries. The post Alaska’s mandatory ID checks: carding the elders appeared first on The Drinks Business.

Mar 25, 2025 - 11:54

Alaska’s mandatory ID checks: carding the elders

In a sweeping change to Anchorage’s alcohol regulations, a new ordinance now mandates that all patrons — regardless of age — must present valid identification when purchasing alcohol at bars, restaurants and breweries. The setting sun paints Anchorage, Alaska, a pastel pink in a phenomenon called alpenglow.

The rule, enacted in March 2025, aims to crack down on underage drinking and restrict sales to individuals flagged with “red stripe” licences — those banned from buying alcohol due to previous offences. Assembly Member Zac Johnson, a chief sponsor of the ordinance, framed it as a public safety measure, citing multiple alcohol-related pedestrian fatalities in the city as a driving force behind the legislation.

Public response

Unsurprisingly, the change has left a divided taste in the mouths of locals. While some patrons appreciate the consistency of the policy, others view it as a bureaucratic nuisance. Mary Rosenzweig, co-owner of Turnagain Brewing, noted that customers occasionally make snarky remarks about the new rule, though most comply without incident.

Bars and breweries feel the strain

For Anchorage’s hospitality industry, the universal ID policy is more than a mild inconvenience. The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR) has raised concerns about the impact on operations, especially during peak hours and ongoing staffing shortages. With every drink order now requiring a scan or visual check, service is slowing down, and staff are under increased pressure to juggle compliance with customer satisfaction.

Civil liberties

Though framed around public welfare, the blanket nature of the rule has sparked debate. Critics argue the policy borders on ageism, questioning the logic of carding patrons well beyond the legal drinking age. Others raise concerns about its overall practicality. Proponents, however, stand firm. Uniform enforcement, they argue, removes ambiguity for staff and helps ensure airtight compliance with alcohol laws — no judgment calls required. This isn’t uncharted territory. In 2011, Anchorage voters overwhelmingly supported a similar ordinance requiring mandatory ID checks at liquor stores. Elsewhere in the US, a growing number of municipalities have adopted comparable policies with mixed outcomes — often shaped by how effectively the rules are enforced. As Alaska's largest city settles into this new era of ID-for-all alcohol service, ongoing feedback from businesses, patrons and lawmakers will be crucial. The balance between public safety and practical hospitality remains delicate. But for now, one thing is clear: forgetting your ID in Anchorage means you're going home dry — no matter how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.