Maintaining compliant age verification procedures requires systematic approaches that exceed basic ID checking and create defensible documentation demonstrating consistent, thorough efforts to prevent underage alcohol service. Establishments must implement written policies detailing specific ID verification steps, acceptable forms of identification, and procedures for handling suspicious or questionable documents, with regular updates reflecting current security features and forgery trends. Technology adoption such as ID scanning systems provides electronic verification and documentation of age checks, creating timestamped records that prove compliance efforts even when sophisticated fake IDs defeat reasonable inspection. Staff positioning and lighting in ID verification areas requires careful attention, ensuring employees can properly examine security features under adequate illumination without customer pressure or distractions that compromise thorough inspection. Secondary verification procedures for questionable IDs, including manager review requirements, challenge questions about ID information, and comparison signatures, demonstrate multi-layered approaches to preventing underage service. Documentation requirements extend beyond simply checking IDs to recording specific information about verified identifications, particularly for youthful-appearing customers or when suspicions arise about document authenticity. Training programs must address current fake ID trends, security features of valid documents, and behavioral indicators of underage attempts, with regular updates as technology and tactics evolve. Refusal documentation procedures protect establishments by recording instances of denied service, including physical descriptions, ID details if retained, and circumstances suggesting underage status. Coordination with local law enforcement regarding fake ID trends, sharing suspicious documents, and reporting repeated underage attempts demonstrates community partnership in preventing underage drinking. Visible signage about ID requirements, verification procedures, and consequences for fake ID use creates deterrent effects while demonstrating public commitment to age compliance. Mystery shopping programs specifically testing age verification procedures provide ongoing quality assurance and identify training needs before TABC discovers deficiencies. Incident reporting systems that track ID verification issues, near-misses, and successful preventions help identify patterns requiring enhanced procedures or targeted training. Technology maintenance and updates ensure ID scanning equipment functions properly with current security features and database connections that verify document authenticity. Liability shift documentation showing customers bear responsibility for fake ID presentation requires specific notice language and acknowledgment procedures that courts recognize. Through comprehensive age verification procedures that combine technology, training, and documentation, establishments create strong defenses against alleged failures while actually preventing underage service.