Understanding Age Verification Practices: A Qualitative Study to Inform Community-Level Interventions

Underage alcohol use remains a significant public health problem in the United States. Access to alcohol is a key driver of underage drinking, and youth often obtain alcohol by using false identification (fake IDs). While enforcement of minimum drinking age laws is an evidence-based strategy to reduce underage drinking, little systematic examination of age verification practices exists. To address this need, we conducted key informant interviews (N = 8) with staff and owners of alcohol retailers as well as law enforcement officers in a Southeastern U.S. college town between October 2023 and April 2024. Participants were queried on factors influencing age verification practices. We coded and thematically analyzed the data using an iterative, multistep process. Results revealed three primary themes: (a) ID verification practices varied widely among retail participants; (b) facilitators of effective ID checks included staff training, access to advanced technology, and workplace support, while barriers included resource limitations, increasingly sophisticated fake IDs, and challenging interactions with patrons; and (c) participants considered both the legal and public health implications of selling alcohol to underage individuals. These findings suggest a need for tailored, equity-centered practice strategies, such as updated training programs and equitable enforcement policies, to address the evolving challenges of fake ID detection. Future research should continue exploring diverse perspectives from those involved in ID verification, focusing on identifying the challenges and strengths of implementing community-level policies. These insights can inform interventions to strengthen age verification practices, reduce underage alcohol access, and minimize related harms.