Today in Laura’s Alternative Headlines…

A longtime Philadelphia bar, Dirty Frank’s, has temporarily raised its minimum entry age to 25 and older after a surge of college-age patrons began showing up with increasingly sophisticated fake IDs.

Co-owner Jody Sweitzer said social media platforms like TikTok may have contributed to large groups of young people arriving at the Center City bar — sometimes 20 to 30 at a time. Although IDs were scanning as valid and passing UV light checks, staff noticed suspicious behavior, including vaping indoors, bringing in outside drinks, heavy intoxication, and disruptive conduct.

The breaking point came when someone presented a fake Pennsylvania ID featuring Ben Franklin’s photo, listing his age as 24 and the Liberty Bell as his address. After confiscating it, Sweitzer decided immediate action was necessary to protect the bar’s liquor license and atmosphere.

Two weeks ago, the bar implemented a temporary 25-and-over policy, which will remain in place until Sweitzer secures more advanced ID-scanning technology capable of better detecting fraudulent IDs. Regular customers have largely supported the decision, saying the younger crowds had changed the bar’s vibe, though some acknowledge it may be frustrating for responsible patrons aged 21 to 24.

The bar plans to return to its usual 21-and-over policy once better security measures are in place.

Read the full article here: Dirty Frank’s in Center City, Philadelphia temporarily raises age to 25 due to surge in fake IDs, including ‘Founding Father’ – ABC7 Los Angeles