UNDERAGE SALES
BARGAIN BOOZE
Bargain Booze extends use of age estimation tech The retailer first installed the MyCheckr system in January this year as part of the Home Office sandbox trial, which concluded at the end of May.
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estway Retail is extending the use of age estimation technology in its stores in the UK following a successful trial with Innovative Technology (ITL). ITL’s MyCheckr system was first installed in January this year as part of the Home Office sandbox trial, which concluded at the end of May. The system is simple to use, with a green LED above the screen indicating that no age check is required, or a red light showing when an age check is recommended. The technology has the highest accuracy of any independently tested solution and is the only GDPR-certified age estimation system in the world.
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Clive Binks, Head of Corporate Stores at Bestway Retail, said: “As a direct result of the successful trial we will now be installing Innovative’s MyCheckr device at more of our Bargain Booze stores. The technology is helping to boost staff ‘s confidence when asking customers for ID and of course anything that ensures we protect children is paramount to us as a responsible business.” Andrew O’Brien, Product Manager from ITL, added: “Since the trial began, we have been busy developing MyCheckr to give an all-in-one, standalone device that retailers can simply plug in to help cashiers with age check decisions.”
The Association of Convenience Stores Crime Report 2022 found that “enforcing an age-restricted sales policy” is one of the top triggers for violence or abuse against staff. ITL also reports that the technology is successfully being used to aid staff and protect them from abuse. O’Brien added: “With over 75% of those staff questioned wanting to keep using the technology, we are delighted that we can now begin installation of the market-ready MyCheckr device at several Bargain Booze stores. Bestway Retail has embraced this initiative and clearly take their responsibility for protecting children from being mis-sold alcohol seriously.”
