One of the ways the LCBO ensures that no one under the legal drinking age of 19 is served is by asking for proof-of-age identification.

As of June 1, 2011, regulatory changes to Ontario’s Liquor Licence Act expanded the number of government issued-photo ID that are prescribed for proof of age purposes. There are now eight forms of prescribed ID which include: Ontario Driver’s Licence, LCBO’s BYID Card, Canadian Passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card, Certificate of Indian Status Card, Permanent Resident Card and Ontario Photo Card.

LCBO’s tamper-resistant Bring Your Identification (BYID) photo card, endorsed by the provincial government, proves that customers are of legal drinking age. To apply for a BYID card, applicants must be 19-35 years of age, supply a passport-size colour photo, photocopies of documents proving date of birth and name and a $30 fee. A guarantor must sign the back of the photo and all documentation and fill out a section of the application. Random checks help ensure applications and guarantors are valid.

The card can be used when buying alcohol in all LCBO stores and other retail beverage alcohol stores, as well as in bars and restaurants in Ontario.

Application forms are available at all LCBO stores and online: www.lcbo.com/socialresponsibility/byidcard.shtml. Completed application forms should be mailed to BYID Card, P.O. Box 1800, Stn. A, Toronto, ON, M5W 1V6. Questions about the BYID program can be directed to LCBO’s BYID administrator at 416 864-6632 or byid@lcbo.com.

The BYID card, introduced in 1996, was redesigned in 1999, and again in 2004 to reflect the LCBO’s new logo and corporate colours and includes a bilingual message to drink responsibly. Both old and new versions are acceptable. More than 55,000 BYID cards have been issued so far.

As part of our year-round vigilance, LCBO staff are especially mindful to check for ID over the busy summer holiday months when minors may attempt to purchase alcohol for proms, graduations and other events. At this time of year when the highest number of alcohol-related crashes occur on Ontario’s roads and waterways, LCBO staff make every effort to promote responsible drinking and remind customers they will refuse service to minors, intoxicated purchasers or anyone attempting to buy for them. 

For more information, contact:
LCBO Social Responsibility Department
Tel: 416 864-6820
Fax: 416 864-2431
Online: www.hellolcbo.com