For some college students, turning 21 isn't coming soon enough. That vertical ID just isn't appealing and many are turning to a secondary source—a fake ID.
This raises the question: The occurrence of people under the age of 21 using false identification without considering the consequences is reaching an all time high.
I think the usage of fake IDs is allowing our youth to grow up a lot sooner than they should.
Most people who regulate bar entrance are really clueless and unaware of the consequences that should follow after catching someone using a fake ID.
Before I get any deeper, I just want to call attention to all underage fake ID holders: In case you didn't know, the Ohio law prohibits the use of false identification to obtain alcoholic beverages.
While I'm giving out fast facts, I believe that it's important to know that according to Ohio law, the possession or display of a fabricated ID is a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for this offense is six months of jail time, a $1,000 fine or both.
If a person using a fake ID were caught trying to purchase alcohol or enter an establishment that serves alcohol, other than restaurants, a minimum fine of $250 may stand. A license suspension up to three years is also possible. Is it worth the intoxicated fun?
The police may arrest you for misrepresenting your age, which is a first-degree misdemeanor or they could slap you with a felony for falsifying a government document. I've found it disturbing that many people who use fake IDs get away with a simple warning. I've been to places where I've seen people simply turned away for using a fake ID.
This sort of scares me. If authorities are allowing people to get away with falsifying government documents, I wonder what else people have been allowed to get away with?
The next issue that needs to be addressed is directed towards the upperclassmen. Many assume that simply loaning your horizontal ID puts you in the clear and poses no harm to your record.
This is false. The consequences to those who loan their IDs may actually be more substantial. Loaning your ID is illegal.
If a fake ID is discovered in a bar or restaurant, the person who discovers it is supposed to confiscate the ID.
According to senior business administration major and bartender at Little Bar in Columbus, Brett Henderson, bringing fakes into bars and restaurants is becoming a bigger problem. "We don't want to cause embarrassment or lose business," said Henderson, "but it's something that we have to do because of liability. We could lose our liquor license or even shut down."
Senior political science major James Dodderer feels confident with the current government limitations on age. "I think that age restrictions are made for a reason and although they may seem unfair people should respect the age limits. Fake IDs have the potential of being very dangerous."
I fully agree. I think that this is a huge issue and it needs to be addressed more seriously. t&c;
KATELIN DAVIS IS A SENIOR JOURNALISM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR AND STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.;
