SB 1371: Alcoholic beverage control: proof of age.

Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, makes it a misdemeanor for any person under 21 years of age to purchase any alcoholic beverage or consume any alcoholic beverage in any onsale premises. The act also subjects a holder of a license to sell alcoholic beverages to criminal prosecution and suspension or revocation of that license if the licensee sells any alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age. Existing law provides that a licensees acceptance of bona fide evidence, as defined, constitutes a defense to any prosecution or proceedings against the licensee, as specified.

This bill would also make the utilization of a biometric system, as defined, a defense to any criminal prosecution or proceedings against the licensee. The bill would require the biometric system to be based upon a review of bona fide evidence of majority and identity of a person and that verifies and authenticates the validity of that bona fide evidence.