Exploring the use of fake IDs

In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19, which is a rite of passage that many teens look forward to. Popular culture perpetuates the thrill of parties in crowded clubs with an abundance of alcoholic beverages. However, many teens are often impatient, unwilling to wait for the ripe old age of 19 to begin their alcoholic endeavors. In previous generations, fake IDs were the popular means of sneaking into adult establishments. Nowadays, it is more common for an individual to find an over-19 friend who looks similar to them and borrow their ID for the night. Of course, this practice is illegal. However, it seems that the youth of today do not find the repercussions of underage drinking harsh enough.

When asked, “Do you think the risk of being caught is worth using a fake ID?” one student responded, “What risk?”

Indeed, most clubs and other establishments that ID its patrons will simply take away an ID that they determine a fake. Under the law, servers of alcohol are required to thoroughly check the ID of anybody who looks under 25 years of age. If the server is unsure, they are instructed to ask the individual for their address, postal code, and other personal details on the ID. However, many bartenders and bouncers will let you in regardless of their suspicions.

The lax enforcement of the law is most likely related to the fact that an establishment misses out on customers by turning away minors. It can also be a hassle to vigilantly ID the hundreds of club-goers at a busy venue. Additionally, with the number of minors who pose as legal-aged adults, an establishment would be calling the police all night. This would be a waste of resources and time for our law enforcement department.

Fear of the police is most likely related to our personal perceptions of our law enforcers, perpetuated by the media, and not actual experiences with the authorities. When asked, students responded with varying degrees of apprehension towards their actions. Some felt that the risk of being caught was not worth it, while some felt that the punishments were so harmless that it wouldn’t matter. Additionally, there were different opinions across the board on whether or not ID laws should be more or less strict.

“I think that ID laws should be less strict. It makes no sense that an 18-year-old is old enough to vote, file taxes, and go to war, but they can’t drink until they turn 19.”

“Drinking under [the age of] 19 in public venues seems unwise because [people] usually get sick and act more immature, which can threaten establishments, [so] 19+ is a good idea because people can handle themselves better.”

“I think [the laws are] fine the way they are. Any less strict [and kids would just get into] more trouble.”

Most interviewees agreed that there’s not much of a point in separating the rights that an 18-year-old has compared to a 19-year-old. Additionally, it is frustrating for many that the drinking age in Ontario is 19, but remains 18 in Alberta and Montreal. If the drinking age was 19 all across Canada, then perhaps this decision would feel more justified.

One interviewee expressed the sentiment that underage consumption of alcohol is not done out of disregard for the law, but as a response to the social pressures we are exposed to. “Media plays a huge role in desensitizing or glorifying smoking and drinking, and alcohol and cigarettes are common commodities that are quite easily accessible.”

There is also a great deal of autonomy and agency associated with being able to drink. However, the norms surrounding alcohol consumption are very much a cultural thing. In countries like Mexico and the Czech Republic, underage drinking isn’t as reinforced.

Overall, it seems that the drinking age of 19 in Ontario is looked upon unfavorably by many 18-year-olds and stands as a hindrance to establishments that see many under-aged patrons. However, it cannot be said that lowering the drinking age to 18 will result in a decrease of underage alcohol consumption. Perhaps this is a testament to the saying that rules are made to be broken.