University of Memphis students should think twice before making or using a fake ID in the state of Tennessee.
According to the Tennessee Alcohol and Beverage Commission, or TABC, for those over the age of 18 but under the age of 21, showing false identification with the intent to buy alcohol is a Class A misdemeanor.
Those found guilty face a fine of no less than $50 and no more than $200. On top of the fine, they can be sent to jail for anywhere between five and 30 days, and even have their driving privileges revoked.
Those under the age of 18 found guilty of knowingly displaying a false identification face a fine of $50 and could be required to do at least 20 hours of community service.
“I, personally, think that all bars and clubs should have an 18 age limit and just stamp people who are 21 years of age and older,” said Brittney, a 19-year-old freshman at The U of M who asked that her last name not be used. Brittney said she now knows about the consequences, but still plans on keeping and using her false ID.
The misdemeanor punishments and fines apply regardless of the cooperation of the underage person with the state in finding out who sold the alcohol or where the fake identification was obtained.
According to Maurice Williams of the Department of Public Safety at The U of M, there have not been any cases of fake IDs or students getting caught with fake IDs on campus recently.
Jay, a freshman at The U of M who asked that his last name not be used, says that he used to have a fake ID, but got rid of it because he didn’t want to get in trouble. “The only reason I had it was to get into bars and clubs,” he said.
Derrick, a 23-year-old senior at The U of M and a bartender at Bahama Breeze who also spoke on the condition his last name would not be used, said that he spots a fake ID by comparing the picture on the ID to the person, checking the hologram, the condition of the ID and checking if the person knows the information from the ID.
If he does find that the person has a fake ID, he said, “I simply don’t sell to them. It’s illegal to take their fake ID unless you turn it into the police department.”
Jake, a 22-year-old senior at The U of M who asked that his last name not be used, had a fake ID when he was under 21, and had it taken up while trying to get into a bar in Memphis.
“The bouncer looked at my ID and asked me what my astrological sign was, and when I couldn’t answer quick enough, he merely laughed, and pocketed the ID,” Jake said. “I figured I should just wait another year until I actually turned 21 to try again.”.
