AI-driven technology to manage age checks

Central Convenience Store has adopted ITL’s AI biometric technology to aid employees in age checks for restricted goods

Central Convenience Store (CCS) in Southampton has installed AI-driven biometric technology to assist staff with age checks for age-restricted goods. CCS is the latest store in the Bestway Retail chain to implement the development by Innovative Technology (ITL). This follows a UK Government trial and previous successful deployments in Costcutter and Bargain Booze.

“We are delighted to extend our technology into CCS in Southampton,” stated Christ Wright, UK Business Development Manager for ITL. MyCheckr is a standalone device, complete with a screen that clearly shows if a customer attempting to purchase restricted goods is underage. The LED above the screen turns green if the customer passes the age check, and red if they appear underage.

“This provides a useful aid to help reduce any potential confrontation when challenging customers for IS. The store, located in a predominantly student area, has a young customer base, so having MyCheckr acting as a backup for staff has been really helpful. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and rolling out our technology to more locations within the chain over the coming months.”

“MyCheckr has attracted much interest,” exclaimed Steve Lunn, CSS Store Manager. “Our customers are keenly embracing this new biometric technology. Those purchasing age-restricted goods were initially curious about its purpose. They now think it’s a great idea and have quickly realized its potential. The age check device is also having a positive impact on our staff, helping them to perform age checks. It’s now a key part of the store; performing age estimation with accuracy, speed, and best of all, completely anonymously, so customer privacy is protected.”