What should you ensure when serving a patron?

Verifying a patron's identification for age is crucial for both legal compliance and ensuring the safety of the customers. Serving alcohol responsibly requires staff to check IDs to prevent underage drinking, which is a serious offense that can have legal repercussions for both the server and the establishment. By confirming that patrons meet the legal age requirement, you help maintain a responsible drinking environment and protect the establishment's license to serve alcohol. This practice demonstrates adherence to laws and regulations that govern alcohol sales, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility in hospitality settings.

The other options, while they may seem beneficial in terms of service speed or customer experience, do not address the critical legal obligation to verify age, which is paramount in any service involving alcohol.