Mandatory carding is a reality. Senate Bill 75, which is expected to be signed by the Governor, will be effective July 1. That means anyone selling alcohol for off-site consumption will need to be carding anyone asking to purchase alcohol – groceries, drug stores, convenience stores, package stores and more. The new law creates a Class B misdemeanor penalty for those failing to card.

Project RAD supporters, including the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, have supported mandatory carding for years – while other retailers have claimed they have sufficient “voluntary” measures in place to catch and monitor buyers who might be underage. This is a significant policy measure for Indiana.

Under the new law, the buyer will be required to show proof of an identification card with a photo that has been issued by a government entity – mainly state and federal authorities. The ID must have a photo and date of birth.

Look for more updates from Project RAD when the law becomes effective. All servers must have completed a training and education course by May 1, 2011 – a deadline that was extended by the state in SB 75.