A New Jersey woman posted a TikTok after an Applebee’s employee allegedly snapped her ID. Viewers are encouraging her to take legal action.
On July 16, Sophia Attardi (@sophia_attardi) posted a viral video about her Applebee’s experience, which has amassed 4.9 million views as of this writing.
“Applebee’s just snapped my [expletive] ID,” she said.
Why Was the Applebee’s Customer’s ID Damaged?
“We all just got kicked out of Applebee’s because our IDs aren’t allowed, apparently,” she added.
In the caption, she clarified that they were all of legal age. “All over the age of 21 btw,” she wrote.
In a follow-up video, the creator shared more details about the incident, saying Applebee’s still had not responded despite her emailing the company after the video went viral.
She explained that she and her friends visited the restaurant for its $1 margarita promotion and had already ordered, finished their meals, and drunk their margaritas after their server initially accepted their IDs.
She said that about 15 minutes later, a manager returned and said the IDs could not be accepted. Attardi said she noticed a large crease running through her Tennessee driver’s license and claimed the manager admitted she had bent it while checking whether it was authentic.
Although the manager allegedly offered $30 toward a replacement license and comped the drinks, Attardi later discovered she could not replace her Tennessee ID online while living in New Jersey and would instead have to return to Tennessee in person. She said she is now stuck with a damaged ID and that she is not eager to pursue legal action but wishes Applebee’s would cover the costs created by the damaged license.
Could the Customer Pursue Legal Action Against Applebee’s?
Overwhelmingly, commenters were outraged on her behalf.
“Go to the police.. that’s highly illegal,” wrote one commenter.
“Btw if its a real ID you could’ve called the police, verified, and sued,” added another.
Generally, bars and restaurants have broad discretion to refuse alcohol service, even if a customer presents a valid ID. They can also decline entry if the staff is not convinced an identification card is genuine.
However, damaging a legitimate government-issued ID is a different matter. A driver’s license or state identification card remains government property in many states. Intentionally bending, breaking, or destroying a valid ID can expose a business to civil liability if it causes financial losses.
Bartenders and bouncers receive training to spot fake identification because businesses can face steep fines, liquor license penalties, or criminal consequences for serving underage patrons. As a result, some employees aggressively inspect IDs. Problems arise when an employee mistakenly concludes that a real ID is fake and damages it in the process.
Anyone who believes a business damaged a valid ID should first document everything. Take photos of the damaged card before replacing it. It is also important to save receipts, video footage, and any communication with the restaurant.
In an instance where either party calls the police, officers can often verify whether the license is authentic and create an incident report. That report may prove useful later if the card must be replaced or if the customer seeks reimbursement. A police report can also preserve evidence if there is a dispute over what happened.
Subplot News reached out to Attardi via TikTok direct message and comment and to Applebee’s via email. We will update this story if either responds.
@sophia_attardi All over the age of 21 btw @Applebee’s Grill + Bar ♬ Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy – Single Version – The Tams
