I’d like to speak to the manager!!!!

Hi all!!!

Thanks for all the insight into the ID question. 

The points of view were quite interesting.

First, the kid did drink in my establishment last night.  He had a Moscow Mule.  (Who knew a 19 year old even knew what that was).  He showed the server the ID.  And how do I know this?  Because I spoke to my staff about this at pre-shift today and his server from last night knew exactly how old he was. 

Second, it was not someone else’s ID.  Both ID’s had his name on them.  The real ID had his photo from when he was probably 15 and got the ID.  The fake ID was taken more recently, and was definitely him.  Two different birthdays though. 

It was a California ID and in CA, when the person is under 21 the ID is vertical.  When you renew you get a horizontal ID.  He had one of each. 

As for looking in his wallet:   It was not a wallet like mine, which is a George Constanza wallet. It had a couple of credit cards an ID and a fake ID. 

As for whether or not I remove it is stealing, I don’t know.  I’m not a police officer nor am I a lawyer.  I have friends who are both who read this, perhaps they’d like to weigh in.

Last night on my way home, I had decided to return it.  18 year old Jeff, getting in to bars at Eastern Kentucky University, appreciated the ID he purchased in NYC back in 1902. 

Many of you support my stance.

I did know that I wanted to read your responses before I made a final decision.

I got to work today and checked voicemails.  While I was checking the voicemails, he called.  I didn’t answer not to be difficult but as a practice I don’t answer any calls until I record the messages and sit down with coffee for the day at the chef’s table.

After I sat down, I pulled out my phone and read your responses.   

Two things stood out.

One of my friends said that 18 year old her would have been grateful, but the 44 year old her with a teenage son, thought differently.

This coupled with a post I read from another friend who said that two teenagers, who attended her son’s school, had been killed by  drunk drivers this week and my decision was made.

The kid is rich. 

He won’t have trouble getting another ID.  He was underage drinking last night with his mom present, so she’s not really the adult in the situation.

If I can stop him from killing someone for the next month while he waits for his new ID to come then so be it.

And if it is against the law, then I guess I’ll take my punishment.

Meanwhile, he never called back.  The ID is in my office.  His wallet is at the host stand waiting.