How Businesses Are Combating Underage Drinking for Super Bowl Celebrations

Charleston Businesses Implement Innovative Measures

In an effort to tackle underage drinking during the Super Bowl, Charleston restaurant and bar owners have embraced a novel approach for verifying patrons’ ages. They are utilizing a phone app known as Intellicheck, which helps to ensure that only individuals of legal drinking age are served alcohol at their establishments on Super Bowl Sunday.

About Intellicheck

Intellicheck serves as an ID-verification app that checks people’s identity by scanning their driver’s licenses. The app provides three color-coded notifications: green indicates a valid ID, yellow signifies an expired ID, and red alerts the user to a fake or otherwise incorrect ID. Since its introduction, Charleston’s bars and restaurants have found Intellicheck immensely helpful in their attempts to reduce underage drinking.

The Impacts of Intellicheck

Roy Neal, owner of the popular downtown spot El Jefe Texican Cantina, expresses his gratitude towards the program, calling it a game-changer. Having introduced the system over a year ago in his establishment, he notes that it has eased concerns about the detection of deceptive IDs. Older methods of verification had made it difficult to spot high-quality fake IDs, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent.

Neal notes, “We needed some help because the IDs were just too good. They were coming from China and other places, and we couldn’t just look at them and tell if they were fake. But now, with the scanning capabilities, you can tell immediately.”

Addressing Overdrinking

Aside from underage drinking, overdrinking has been a serious concern for many Charleston establishments. According to Neal, the complication often arises from the younger crowd, leading to DUI charges. These are issues he is keen to avoid in his business, as the safety and well-being of his patrons is his top priority.

Neal believes the implementation of the Intellicheck app has ultimately led to a healthier drinking culture in the downtown area. He asserts, “I think it just makes for a better environment on King Street. If you’re not 21, you don’t need to be on King Street at 11 o’clock.”

Boosting Inclusiveness with Wristbands

While the aim is to curb underage drinking, it doesn’t mean that younger people are not welcome at events such as Super Bowl parties. To maintain inclusivity, many establishments have introduced wristband policies. Upon arrival, patrons’ IDs are checked using the Intellicheck system, and they are given wristbands that indicate their age. This allows underage individuals to enjoy the festivities without being served alcohol.

With these effective countermeasures in place, Super Bowl Sunday promises to be an even better event for Charleston’s communities. Not only will businesses be able to operate responsibly, but attendees of all ages can revel in the festivities, secure in the knowledge that their safety is a top priority.