Senate approves Odell’s Law; removes requirement for businesses to check IDs before serving alcohol

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, received Senate approval for a measure that allows Oklahoma businesses to sell or serve alcohol without being required to first check identification cards. House Bill 3571 allows businesses to use their discretion on whether or not to check IDs, ensuring older Oklahomans are not inconvenienced. Businesses are still responsible for ensuring alcohol is not served or sold to underaged individuals.

“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.”

Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, serves as the House author of the measure.

“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.”

Upon being signed into law, the provisions of Odell’s law will become effective November 1.

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Darrell Weaver at 405-521-5569 or email Darrell.Weaver@oksenate.gov.