While this information from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission primarily was aimed at those who sell alcohol rather than consumers, it also reminds those who might try to fool the system, or press to be served when they shouldn’t be, could harm more than themselves.

The commission this week advised the state’s 19,000 liquor license holders of the laws and guidelines that “will help ensure safety and add to the success of their businesses.”

Checking ID, not serving minors and knowing the signs of customer intoxication are just a few of the tips passed along as crowds increase in restaurants, bars and other establishments this holiday season.

Those tips include —

— Check ID: Establishments have a legal obligation to determine whether a patron is 21 years or older before selling or serving them alcohol. Ask customers for valid identification to deter false IDs. Inform minors attempting to buy liquor with a false ID they can be punished with jail time and/or fines. Providing alcohol to minors can lead to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

— Serving intoxicated customers is illegal: Michigan law prohibits licensees from selling or serving alcoholic beverages to individuals who appear to be intoxicated. It also is against the law to allow an intoxicated person to consume alcoholic beverages on licensed premises. Licensees are responsible as well to make certain no one becomes intoxicated in their establishment.

“Management and staff must know the signs and be constantly watchful of patrons who have had too much to drink,” said Pat Gagliardi, MLCC chairman. “MLCC has approved many training courses that are available for licensees and their employees to learn how to better identify intoxicated individuals.”

— Know legal holiday hours: For Christmas, the sale of alcoholic beverages must end by midnight Christmas Eve and may not begin again until noon Christmas Day. Normal legal hours for alcohol sales resume on Dec. 26. On New Year’s Day, selling alcoholic beverages on premises in Michigan is prohibited between 4 and 7 a.m. Jan. 1. Off-premises licensees are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages between 2 and 7 a.m. Jan. 1.

— Avoid overcrowding: Too many people crammed into one place can lead to altercations and block exits as safety and fire hazards. Know the establishment’s capacity and room to move freely through the establishment. For businesses that have not had its capacity determined by local authorities, check with MLCC for the specific guidelines found within the liquor code. Capacity is more than just a head count.

— Maintain order and control, report illegal activity: Licensees are responsible for maintaining order and control of their premises at all times. Keep a heightened sense of awareness of patrons and situations for any potentially illegal activity, including violence, drugs and gambling. While licensees do not have enforcement authority, employees can demand a customer leave the premises and — if the situation appears threatening — call the police.

MLCC licenses all retailers, wholesalers and other individuals or businesses involved in the manufacture, purchase, sale or use of alcohol beverages.