Oklahomans who definitely look old enough to drink alcohol won’t have to produce an ID to prove it in most cases thanks to House Bill 3571. Dubbed Odell’s Law for his friend, Representative Robert Manger wrote the bill to lift the requirement for businesses to require an ID check before serving alcohol. While the requirement will be lifted, businesses will still be responsible for not serving underage customers.
“I authored House Bill 3571 after a friend of mine, who recently turned 90, was denied a beer because he didn’t have his ID,” Manger said. “Odell’s Law would remove the cumbersome requirement to check somebody’s ID before selling them alcohol, allowing people over the legal drinking age to purchase alcohol even if they’ve forgotten their ID or don’t wish to show it. HB3571 does not prohibit a company policy that requires ID verification. This is common sense legislation.”
The Senate gave its approval to HB 3571 on Thursday.
Senator Darrell Weaver is the Senate author.
“This is a common sense bill for Oklahomans and businesses in our state,” Weaver said. “It is unnecessary to check an individual’s ID when it is clear they are of the legal age to consume alcohol. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for their support of this practical, pro-business measure.”
If Governor Stitt signed the bill, the law will go into effect on November 1, 2024.
