Downtown Distillery isn't taking any more chances when it comes to underage drinkers and fake IDs.
For the past month and a half, the bar at 406 Central Ave. has been photocopying patrons' IDs and having them sign a statement saying they are at least 21 and their driver license is valid.
Manager Joel Scally said the owner of Distillery wanted to use the new procedure to take more precautions against underage drinkers.
He said no incidents at their establishment sparked the idea. It was simply what the owner wanted to do, he said.
Jacob Traub, owner of Distillery, did not return phone calls.
The new procedure applies to those born from 1979 to 1983.
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People cannot enter the establishment without signing off on their ages. Copies of IDs are kept on file for two days before they are shredded.
"I don't think it's the worst idea, but it's kind of invasive," said senior Ari Fernandez.
Fernandez said she had never been to Distillery, but the new procedure wouldn't stop her because she is 21.
Dave Buehring, general manager of Maloney's Tavern, said it uses a similar system to check IDs.
He said the establishment's video camera system is similar to the way the Distillery copies IDs. Maloney's places all IDs under black light to see alterations and then puts the ID under a camera.
He said the system protects the customer and Maloney's.
If they see a questionable ID, they will have the person sign a form stating they are 21.
"It's a good thing because it deters underage drinkers," Buehring said.
He said a liquor establishment can get into a lot of trouble if it is caught with underage drinkers in the establishment. The establishment, doorman, waitress and bartender could all be cited.
Scally said they use the procedure to stay out of trouble.
"It makes it safe because if someone starts a fight in the club, we have all their info," he said.
Scally said attendance at the bar has not dropped since they began using the new procedure, but there are those who refuse to sign, although the number is not high.
UNM student Travis Cole said he understood why they would use a procedure like this, because it's a huge liability for Distillery, but it seemed kind of sketchy.
"I don't want people copying my ID," he said.
Other students said the procedure is a pain.
"The line is around the corner," said UNM student Lance McGoldrick.
He said the system doesn't make sense.
"If they find a fake, they'll find it later," McGoldrick said. "I'm sure they're still letting people in. Only if something were to happen could they trace it back."
Student Mia Zamora said she won't go to Distillery anymore because she has a fake ID, even though she went two weeks ago, and her ID wasn't copied.
She said she finds it scary because usually people use a friend's fake ID. But she said, the procedure should protect the Distillery in every aspect.
"It sucks, because you want to have fun, and you have to go through all that hassle," she said. "But it's good for them."
