Servers should be aware that penalties for serving a minor can include:

Penalties for serving alcohol to a minor can be severe and may include fines, criminal charges (such as a misdemeanor), loss of the server's certification, and serious consequences for the establishment, including license suspension or revocation. The exact penalties vary by jurisdiction. These significant consequences for both the individual and the business are why responsible-service programs place such heavy emphasis on careful age verification. Servers should treat every age check as important, because the cost of a single illegal sale to a minor can be substantial.