There was little effort made in prosecuting those who exploited Traci Lords (even Penthouse published nude photos of her in the "Miss America" issue).
I believe that Rob Lowe did have some penalties for having sex with a minor even though he met her at a bar (meaning that she misrepresented her age).
In most cases, they will, because the employee is supposed to know how to detect fake IDs. If charges are filed, and you end up in court, your only chance is to convince a jury there was no way you could have known it was fake.
There was little effort made in prosecuting those who exploited Traci Lords (even Penthouse published nude photos of her in the "Miss America" issue).
My understanding is it was because they had no case. She had fake birth certificates and other documents. It did lead to new laws and more stringent screening, though. I don't believe the defense of "she had fake documents" can be used today.
I believe that Rob Lowe did have some penalties for having sex with a minor even though he met her at a bar (meaning that she misrepresented her age).
I believe so too, and I disagree with that entire notion. A person in a bar has the reasonable expectation that anyone in there is at least 18 or older(or 21, depending on the rules, but at least 18).