As a responsible retailer of beverage
alcohol there are people that we won't serve. These people include: minors
(anyone under the age of 19); those who lack proper identification proving
they are of legal drinking age; anyone suspected of attempting to purchase
alcohol on behalf of a minor (second-party purchasers); and, those who appear
to be intoxicated.
An important program in this area is the Working SMAART Program (Strategies
for Managing Age and Alcohol Related Troubles). Through this program, NLC
retail employees are taught how to identify and effectively deal with underage
purchasers, second-party purchasers and customers who may be intoxicated.
This is an award winning program developed by the Liquor Control Board of
Ontario (LCBO). Denying a sale can be difficult, however, through the use
of scenarios and best practices this program teaches staff to challenge,
check, evaluate and refuse successfully.