What should a volunteer do when encountering a young-looking guest at a minors-prohibited event?

When encountering a young-looking guest at an event where minors are prohibited, the most appropriate action is to request government-issued, photo ID. This step is crucial because it allows the volunteer to verify the guest's age in a respectful and professional manner. By relying on a valid form of identification, the volunteer can ensure compliance with the event’s age restrictions without making assumptions about the individual or creating an uncomfortable situation.

Requesting ID is a common practice in environments that enforce age-related policies, as it helps maintain the integrity of the event and protects the organization from potential legal issues. It is important to follow established protocols for age verification, rather than making hasty decisions that might exclude someone who is of legal age, as this could lead to misunderstandings.

The other options would not effectively address the situation while upholding the policies of the event. Turning someone away immediately could result in denying entry to an eligible guest without proper verification. Calling security may escalate the situation unnecessarily, particularly if it can be resolved through a simple request for ID. Ignoring the individual compromises the safety and regulations of the event, as it fails to address the potential breach of policy. Therefore, requesting government-issued, photo ID is the most appropriate and responsible action in this scenario.