Convenience store in Bestway Retail chain implements age estimation solution from Innovative Technology
Central Convenience Store in Southampton has installed AI driven biometric technology from Innovative Technology (ITL) to help with checks for age restricted goods.
It is the latest store in the Bestway Retail chain to implement the tech following a UK government trial and previous deployments in Costcutter and Bargain Booze.
Chris Wright, UK Business Development Manager, says: “We are delighted to extend our technology into Central Convenience Store in Southampton which is assisting staff with the age check process.”
“MyCheckr is a standalone device, complete with screen that clearly shows if a customer attempting to purchase age restricted goods such as alcohol or cigarettes is deemed underage.”
“The LED above the screen turns green if the customer passes the age check, and red if they appear underage - providing a useful aid to help reduce any potential confrontation when challenging customers for ID.”
“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 when indicating to the server if a manual ID check is recommended. We do not charge per age check, so it makes our age estimation technology affordable at a one off cost.”
Store Manager, Steve Lunn, comments: “MyCheckr has attracted much interest and our customers are keenly embracing this new biometric technology. Customers purchasing age restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco and vapes were initially curious about its purpose, but now think it’s a great idea and have quickly realised its potential.”
“The age check device is also having a positive impact on our staff, helping them to perform age checks with confidence. 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.”
Wright concludes: “We are working closely with Bestway Retail and recently exhibited at their showcase event in Liverpool. We were keen to support the showcase and were delighted with the interest we received from other stores within the group looking to benefit from MyCheckr for accurate age checks.”
“We look forward to strengthening this partnership and rolling out our technology to more locations within the chain over the coming months.”
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