Bar Anticipation’s Identification Policy

Bar Anticipation’s identification policy follows that of New Jersey’s strict State Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws.

Identification questions CANNOT be determined over the phone or via email. Since the physical appearance of the individual presenting the identification must be compared to the identification presented by the individual, identification questions can only be answered in person by the individual viewing the identification in question.

Due to the sophistication and rampant use of fake identifications, the danger to minors possessing them, and the life changing ramifications serving a minor can have on a business and its staff, Bar Anticipation is forced to implement a strict ID policy. Unfortunately, sometimes of-aged people (especially those blessed with a youthful appearance) who do not have proper identification may be refused entry. Bar Anticipation apologizes in advance if this happens and can only hope that people see that erring on the side of caution is safest for all. 

Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry at least two forms of photo identification as detailed below.

Accepted Identification:

Driver’s License / Other identification from the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (ID Only) – If a driver’s license is changed, duplicate, not from New Jersey, or if the identification checker is not absolutely certain that the individual presenting the identification is the person who is pictured on the identification, secondary (back up) photo identification is required.

Passport (not passport card) – If the passport appears altered in any way, or if the individual presenting the identification does not look like the person on the passport photo, it cannot not be accepted pursuant to NJ State law.

Passports obtained prior to an individual’s 18th birthday typically will not be accepted. This is a matter of practice as rarely will the photo on the passport look like the individual presenting it. This is due to the length of time elapsed since the photo was taken.

Regardless of age, since any passport photo can be a number of years old, it is recommended that you bring a secondary photo identification (with a more recent photo) if your appearance has changed. Again, it is against State law to accept any identification from anyone who the identification checker does not reasonably believe is the person presenting the identification.

The below may be used as secondary (back up) identification to help convince the identification checker that the individual presenting the driver’s license or passport is in fact the individual presenting it:

  • County Identification Card (photo)
  • Military ID (photo)
  • College ID (photo)
  • Credit Card, Debit Card, or Bank Card (photo)
  • NJDMV Boat License (photo)

The bottom line is, if you do not have a valid photo driver’s license or passport which has a recent photo (that still looks like you), please bring as much backup identification as possible.

Provisional/Probationary Driver’s License – These are ONLY accepted during the first year of their issue. They cannot be more than one year old.

Miscellaneous:

  • Anyone who is believed to be visibly intoxicated, under the influence of drugs (including marijuana), or otherwise impaired will be denied entry.
  • Anyone who is believed to have been recently in a fight (bleeding, torn clothing, visibly agitated) will be denied entry.
  • Anyone acting in such a manner to suggest that they will cause a disturbance on the premises will be denied entry.
  • Anyone not adhering to the dress code will be denied entry.
  • Anyone verbally abusing the door staff or other customers will be denied entry. The door staff have a difficult job. They tolerate a lot of abuse from persistent minors or those with improper identification many times a night. So, please be patient and understanding of their position. They do not want to deny entree to anyone. But they also have a legal obligation to follow the rules. Kindness counts!
  • Firearms – The carrying of firearms into Bar Anticipation is strictly prohibited pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.6(a)(15). This prohibition applies to all persons, even those with a permit to carry firearms pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-2. However, it does not apply to law-enforcement officers, on or off duty, and individuals with valid concealed-carry permits who are expressly authorized in writing by the licensee to provide security on premise.
  • ID Scanners – ID scanners are limited in use and can only be used in certain circumstances and for certain identifications. They may or may not be used as a tool to determine if an identification is real or not. However, if an identification is real, a determination as to whether or not the individual presenting the identification is in fact the individual pictured on the identification must still be made by the identification checker.

Bar Anticipation’s business relies upon admitting customers, not keeping them out. Bar Anticipation takes no pleasure in spending money on the facility, staffing, operations, products, advertising, and entertainment only to not allow a customer to enjoy the facility. Having said that, New Jersey’s State laws, and enforcement of same by local and State police, are very strict. Bar Anticipation cannot and will not jeopardize its liquor license, the jobs of hundreds of people, and the safety of the public because a customer did not obtain proper identification prior to visiting the establishment.

We hope to see you soon!

All identification issues must be handled at the door with the person presenting the identification in question. Identification issues cannot be solved over the phone or e-mail.

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