2008 Woodie Awards
Real ID's lose their luster
The hype for bar-hopping is over once you turn 21
Lauren Williams
Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: A & E
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ID scanners and age verification devices now allow bar owners to out-fake the fakers. More and more bars are seeking the aid of ID scanners programmed to read government issued driver licenses and identification cards, which use either magnetic stripe or barcode technology.
With one swipe or scan, these devices are able to display the age and birthday of the cardholder, it also reads the name, ID number, and other relevant information.
"I personally am not a drinker and I don't judge people who do drink illegally, but I think the ID scanners are a good idea. I get nervous when I see people my age getting really sick when they drink too much. Some people don't have the maturity level to know when they have had too much to drink and they could put themselves and others in harmful situations. The drinking age is 21 for a reason," said, Dale Cialfi, sophomore, Armonk, N.Y.
One student finds the legal drinking age of 21, worth the wait.
"Being 21 is pretty liberating. Though it didn't change my drinking habits, there is a definite sense of confidence when you can legally buy alcohol, whenever you want and from wherever you want," said, Shanna Rasmussen, senior, Trumbull.
Rasmussen is not alone. Caitlin Murphy, senior, Staten Island, N.Y. said, "Having had a fake ID confiscated when I was underage I don't think knowing what I know now that I'd ever use, or recommend the use of a fake ID again. In hindsight I think it was just the thrill and excitement knowing that I could possibly get away with drinking underage that made going out so much fun. I go to bars now and think, why was I in such a hurry to do this? It just doesn't mean as much now that I can do it legally. It's not that it's any less fun. It's just different. I mean, I definitely don't have that adrenaline rush when I go out now. And I don't panic if security looks at my ID a little closer."
Even though some of those who are of age express indifference to their ability to get into law enforcing bars and clubs like those in New Haven, or the Sea Grape and the Sky Box, both located in Fairfield, minors can't wait for the day when they will be able to get in with ease.