"However, despite the convenience of having a bar just a mile from my home, I can no longer be served there due to my Michigan driver’s license being vertical, even though it is valid and not expired. I won’t need to renew my license until the end of this year since it’s an enhanced license I got when I was 19, and it remains valid for four years.
I wouldn't normally leave a review about being denied service because of my vertical license if it weren't for the fact that I've been served there multiple times before without issue, including by the same bartender who recently refused to accept my ID, citing concerns about the risk of it being fake.
Additionally, I’ve noticed inconsistencies with how the mask mandate was enforced. On one occasion, two customers came in without masks, sat down at the bar next to me, and were told they needed to wear masks in order to be served. However, when I stepped out to grab some extra masks and returned, those same customers were allowed to be served after I provided them with masks they could lay on the bar.
According to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) regulations from March this year, there are guidelines for verifying IDs that apply as they did previously, when I first turned 21. Michigan does not outright ban alcohol sales to anyone with a vertical ID, regardless of its expiration status. Furthermore, businesses are responsible for filing a police report if they suspect someone under 21 is attempting to use fraudulent identification to buy alcohol.
I wouldn’t have left this review if there wasn’t such leniency regarding mask enforcement, especially considering I’ve been served many times without any issue. It is unfortunate that while businesses have the right to refuse service, they’re not obligated to accept my ID.
On a positive note, I plan to take my business to other bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores that have accepted my valid vertical enhanced license without any problems. Once I renew my ID at the end of the year and get the horizontal version, I’ll be back. If businesses want to stay compliant with laws, they should at least apply their policies consistently."
