Why Drinking and Driving Bans Exist, but Bar Parking Lots Remain: Exploring License Requirements for Alcohol

Have you ever pondered the fundamental question of why one cannot drink and drive? While it's widely accepted that consuming alcohol and operating a vehicle don't mix, there's another intriguing aspect to consider: why do we require a driver's license to purchase alcohol, and why do bars even have parking lots in the first place? This article delves into these questions and tackles the often overlooked realm of alcohol purchase requirements.

Age Verification and Proof of Identity

In the United Kingdom and other territories, the key question when purchasing alcohol is often, 'Are you old enough to buy alcohol?' Supermarkets and off-licenses frequently ask for proof of age, especially if the purchaser appears young, such as being 25 or younger. Traditional identification forms include driver's licenses, passports, and military ID cards. Any document that includes both your date of birth and a photo, issued by a local or national government agency, is typically acceptable.

Drinking Without a Driver's License

Though one cannot drink and drive, it's surprising to learn that millions of people worldwide can consume any beverage, including alcohol, without any restrictions. For instance, millions of people enjoy coffee, soda, pop, juice, and energy drinks while driving. As for me, this afternoon, I was simply sipping on a bottle of Ozarka spring water during my drive home. Even professional race car drivers use straws inserted through their helmets to stay hydrated during races. Let's reframe the initial question: the words on a page or screen cannot prevent individuals from taking action, even if those words warn against it.

Driver's License for Alcohol Purchase?

Surprisingly, obtaining a driver's license is often not a requirement for purchasing alcoholic beverages. Most stores only need a form of payment such as cash, card, or credit/debit card. Today, while purchasing lunch at Downtown Spec's, I noticed a bottle of Blackened Whiskey 72 Seasons edition in the bourbon aisle. After paying for my sandwich, the cashier merely needed to ask if I was born on or before a specific date, which I assured them was the case. Many establishments will require an ID when selling age-restricted items, and a driver's license is often one of the accepted forms.

Alternative Forms of Identification

While a driver's license is a common form of ID, it is not the only form accepted. Other valid forms include state IDs, concealed carry permits (CHL/LTC/CCW), passports, and military IDs. However, it's important to note that not every seller will accept every form of ID. One of my friends was declined when attempting to use a PA CCW (concealed carry weapon) at a liquor store in OCMD.

When considering the requirement of a driver's license for alcohol purchases, we must also address the plethora of parking spaces found in bars and liquor stores. In some cases, individuals may not be driving but still want to consume alcohol, or may plan to use alternative transportation options. Parking lots serve multiple purposes, including accommodating those who plan to drive, host events, or simply need space to cool down after a long day at work. The existence of parking lots in bars and liquor stores is not an absolute requirement but rather a practical solution to a variety of needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the concept of drinking and driving is universally condemned, alcohol purchase requirements often differ based on local laws and store policies. A driver's license is not always necessary when purchasing alcohol, and the presence of parking lots in bars and liquor stores serves various purposes beyond just facilitating driving. Understanding these nuances helps us navigate the complex relationship between alcohol, driving, and legal identification requirements.

References

[Reference 1] NHTSA: On-Road Safety and Drinking Driving

[Reference 2] Alcohol Concern UK: Driving and Alcohol