Selling Alcohol.. Was I at the recieving end of a sting?

[ohman]

I work at a grocery store in Illinois. Recently I had a young man purchase alcohol. It is company policy to card everyone regardless of age. I checked his ID. He was 21.

What I am concerned about is there was a questionable party with him that didn't seem to be of age. At the time I didn't realize they were together because they were standing far enough apart in line and did not talk to each other. Once the transaction was completed they walked out together. I am kicking myself for not asking if they were together and for the other persons ID just to cover myself and for an ease of mind that I did nothing wrong.

Can I be held legally responsible for selling him alcohol under the assumption that the other party was underage and he bought the alcohol for both of them?

How does an alcohol sting take place? Say if you were caught selling to a minor would you pretty much know right away? Or does it take a few days? Is this a likely scenario that would be set up as a sting?

I am really nervous and don't want to lose my job and end up in jail. I am not putting myself in this situation again. I will ask for IDs of all parties regardless.

[Kimble]

From what you described you sold the alcohol on good faith that the person buying it was of legal age and not contributing to minors. Relax, even if others used the opportunity to do something illegal if what occurred was as you described you didn't do anything knowingly wrong.

[ohman]

Thanks for clearing that up for me Kimble. Now I can sleep tonight. I was all bent out of shape for no reason.