Group carding in the Boro

Nadia Dreid

Group carding, when a business refuses to sell alcohol to an individual unless everyone in his or her party is of age, is a controversial practice. Walmart made headlines earlier this summer when employees refused to sell alcohol to an Iowa man because his 15-year-old daughter was with him, prompting public discussion about the the practice and legality, since it is not part of Walmart’s alcohol policy.

While not required by law, businesses may refuse service to anyone they suspect of providing alcohol to people under 21, Corporal Justin Samples of the Statesboro Police Department said. However, many students feel they are often suspected without reason.

Who group cards?

Walmart: Yes (but refused to be quoted)

Quote: Refused to be quoted

Food World: No (Say they follow corporate policy, corporate said individual stores have discretion)

Quote: Refused to be quoted

Bi-Lo: Unable to reach for comment.

Quote: n/a

Fast & Easy: No

Quote: “No, absolutely not. We only card the people who handle the beer, who bring it to the counter, who pays for it, and who carries it out of the store. Pretty much everybody comes in in a group, people riding together, going together – the law does not state that we have to card everybody that comes into the store. We only card the purchaser of the beer.” – Kamal Dreid, Fast & Easy owner

Two Guys: No

Quote: “We did in the past, but we recently stopped doing that. Whoever is giving us money, we have to see their ID. The previous manager did that, and my owners asked me when I became manager if that was something that the previous manager did, and I said yes, and they said that we can’t control what people do outside, but we can control what people do inside. And if someone just needs help carrying something out we can’t refuse service because they needed help carrying something.” – Quinnell Vasser, Two Guys manager

Clyde’s: Yes

Quote: Unable to reach supervisor for comment.

Parker’s: Yes

Quote: Unable to reach supervisor for comment.