Anchorage residents may soon be required to show mandatory identification every time they buy alcohol from a liquor store, if an ordinance passes the Anchorage Assembly.
The hot button issue resurfaced after the public voted in the 2011 Municipal General Election to create a law to require packaged liquor stores to do mandatory ID checks. “This is a change and people are always hesitant, but it’s one that needs done,” said Assembly Member Dick Traini. It’s a change Traini says will target people who have a “Red Stripe” on their driver’s license, and are prohibited by the courts from drinking. “If you don’t ever check, how would you ever know somebody that comes in there had a “Red Stripe”, he said. “They can’t buy alcohol, the reason they have a “Red Stripe” is because they’re a danger to themselves and society.” Along with targeting people who have “Red Stripes” on their driver’s licenses, Traini says this will also help eliminate underage drinkers, but some business owners including Ivan Ramos with Don Jose’s Restaurant believe this move will create an inconvenience for regular customers. “ After you know them (customer), and you've seen their ID, it would become very troublesome for the consumer and also for the establishment itself,” he said. Whether an inconvenience or not, the decision is now left up to the Assembly to decide. A public hearing and potential vote is scheduled for May 10.
