Fake digital IDs surge in Bundaberg pubs as venues dish out ‘birthday bans’
Thinking about sneaking into a Bundy pub with a fake digital ID? Local venues want you to know it could earn you more than just a knock-back at the door – you might be banned until after your 19th birthday.
Publicans and managers across the Bundaberg region say fake digital IDs are turning into a major headache, with a sharp rise in underage patrons trying their luck at the door.
"Before digital IDs, I think I've had one fake ID in 15 years, whereas now we're getting multiple per week," the manager of the Sugarland Tavern, Chris Simons, told the ABC.
"It's a massive problem now."
The fakes are getting increasingly sophisticated, especially digital driver’s licences, which can look spot-on at first glance.
"At a first glance, they all look legitimate, but the only way you can definitely check is using the Queensland government's Verifier app to make sure that it is actually a legitimate licence," he said.
To push back, around 20 licensed venues in the region – all part of the Bundaberg Bargara Liquor Accord – have agreed on a united approach to underage drinking. That’s where the so-called “birthday present” comes in.
"Once they're caught and we know that they're underage and they are trying to gain access to the venue, they get a birthday present before they turn 18, and they're not allowed in the venue until they're 19," Accord president Lloyd Finnis told the ABC.
"All publicans are sick of this fake stuff, and now we're really starting to push forward to try and squash this problem before it gets out of hand."
Finnis believes many of the fake IDs are coming from across the border.
"New South Wales was the first one to produce a hell of a lot of fake IDs, and Queenslanders were getting a hold of NSW [fake IDs] and starting to use them up here," he said.
"I know some venues now refuse NSW digital IDs. If you've got a NSW digital, you either get your hard copy or you don't come in."
Transport for NSW says its driver licences and photocards include multiple security features such as holograms and watermarks, and that authorities are constantly trying to stay ahead of fraud.
"Transport for NSW, Service NSW and NSW Police continue to work together to further strengthen and validate proof of identity across both physical card and digital driver's licences," a spokesperson said.
Technology is also part of the problem. University of Queensland cybersecurity lecturer Priyanka Singh says artificial intelligence is making fake IDs easier to create and easier to access.
"Two or three years ago, it was quite challenging, but now, given AI and all these smart GPT's and everything, it's so easy," she told the ABC.
"They just think of it as something to go and have fun. But it's bigger than that because they're compromising their information, their personal information, that can be later on used for scams," she said.
"I think there should be proper training and education, even at the school level."
For venues, the stakes are high.
"I fear for my staff because, as much as they endeavour to do the right thing all the time, with how good some of these fake IDs are getting, if they're not completely on their game, it would be very easy for one to slip through," he said.
"Serving an underage patron can cost a staff member more than $13,000 in fines, and cost management more than $40,000."
By comparison, the penalties for minors are relatively modest: using a fake or false ID can lead to a $500 fine, while a minor caught drinking in a licensed venue could be hit with a $4,000 fine.
The message from Bundaberg venues is clear: if you’re not legally 18, trying your luck with a fake digital ID could cost you your cash, your data – and your chance of getting through the door for your first legal drink on your 18th.
Jonathan Jackson, 24th November 2025
