ID Checker Alert!

New Hampshire is issuing new temporary paper licenses that may be making their way into your establishment, and these new licenses may require updated training for those checking IDs.

Here's the skinny. All drivers' licenses issued by the NH_Dept of Motor Vehicles, both for first time _applicants and renewals, will now be horizontal for those over the age of 21, and vertical _for those under 21. That's great for ID checkers. However, as this change takes place, temporary paper licenses will be issued that are good for 60 days until a driver's permanent license is mailed to his or her home.

The good news is that the new licenses are considered a safety measure by the state, as they should reduce identity theft, and improve the enforcement of laws for people under 21, in particular underage drinking.

Issuing is taking place at all DMVs and every NH citizen will be issued a temporary license during their next renewal, a process that will be phased in over the next five years.

To train your staff on this new license, the NH Lodging & Restaurant Association and the NH Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement and Licensing encourages lodging and restaurant owners and managers to consider the following:

• Announce to your staff immediately that new licenses are already in circulation. Explain that vertical licenses will be used by underage people, whether it's a paper version or permanent.
• Explain that there are now three types of licenses being used by those under 21 the original with a red frame; the new temporary vertical license in black and white; and the new permanent color laminated vertical.
• Teach that the new paper license will NOT rip or tear under any circumstances and that attempting to tear the paper license is the easiest way to check for authenticity.
• Always teach servers to check a T-zone on a photo looking for the shape of the eyes, the bridge of the nose, the lips, jaw bone, ears, and hairline.
• Regardless of the changes, checking the date of birth remains an important step in carding.
• Servers should continue to look for the state seal, the director's signature, and the expiration date of the license.

Last, a decoder that can be used as a backup measure is available and can be ordered for $14 by going to www.graphicsecurity.com. The decoder enables a checker to see an embossed hologram not visible to the naked eye and may be used to increase the comfort level of your bartenders and waitstaff.

There will be one-hour evening training sessions around the state, which will be coordinated by the NHLRA. If you would like to be considered as a training site, please contact the NHLRA at 603-228-5585.

Michelline Dufort is the president and chief executive officer of the NHLRA