Inspectors from the PEI Liquor Control Commission are cracking down on the use of false identification by underage drinkers.
The use of false identification is a crime. The inspectors can lay charges that can result in a $500 fine. Minors using an altered driver’s license can lose their license for up to a year. The PEILCC intends to strictly enforce these rules.
“Underage drinking and entering a bar with false identification are against the law and we want people to be aware of that fact,” said Wayne MacDougall, CEO of the PEI Liquor Control Commission. “Something that seems relatively simple, like such a false ID to get into a bar, can have very serious consequences,” he said.
Borrowed or altered driver’s licenses are the primary source of false identifications.
Under Section 6.1 of the Highway Traffic Act, anyone who presents a false ID for the purpose of identification, who permits another person use their photo ID, who defaces or alters a photo ID or who possesses an altered or defaced ID is subject to a fine of up to $500 on summary conviction.
Reporting a license stolen and getting a duplicate to use as a false ID can also land a person in serious trouble.
Under Section 89(e) of the Highway Traffic Act, anyone who gives a false or fictitious name or address in any application for a driver’s license or makes a false statement or conceals a material fact in the application to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is subject to 12 demerit points and a fine of $500.
Further, anyone reporting a license lost for the second time could be subject to an interview with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles has also made it more difficult to reproduce a driver’s license.
“We have asked bar owners to be more vigilant about checking for false IDs and they have been more than happy to comply,” said Mr. MacDougall. “They are aware that serving underage drinkers has serious consequences for them as well. They are also aware that our liquor inspectors will be monitoring this situation very closely.”