When it comes to age estimation, front-line retailers are constantly performing it, but are often faced with challenges. Human judgement during the age check process is influenced by a number of factors such as pressure, intimidation, mood, fatigue, distractions, unconscious bias (people tend to be more accurate when estimating people close to their own age) and even confrontation when asking for ID.

Hemanshu shared alarming stats from a recent FED survey (October 2024) which found that when questioning their members 47% of their employees had been threatened or suffered abuse and violence when asking for proof of age. Using MyCheckr in his own store is successfully resolving issues linked to age checks at the counter. Plus, other retail members who have installed MyCheckr are also reporting a reduction in confrontation with staff attributing the decision to request ID on the machine, which cuts the debate, helping with Challenge 25 compliance.

Julian revealed the benefits of having MyCheckr installed in his SPAR franchise in Western Downs, explaining how the technology is successfully deterring theft in his store as well as helping with compliance regarding enforcement checks that take place. A key challenge is the significant range of age related products sold, in particular isotonic drinks which are popular with minors who often come back with parents to attempt a proxy sale. ITL’s technology takes the heat out of the argument, keeps aggression at bay and from a security point of view, helps deter people from even attempting to purchase. Customers have taken well to the new tech and come prepared with ID to ease the process. It also helps with test purchasing, the lottery body and local authority checks as it provides an audit trial.

Joanne from Trading Standards stated that underage sales (especially from voluntary age restricted energy drinks) was a big area for them, highlighting the importance of policy and due diligence to protect from fines or enforcements. Due diligence and defence is two-fold; having an effective age verification policy in place, and ensuring it is monitored to improve any weaknesses. Joanne praised our technology commenting that it takes away the human element and reduces responsibility on staff to make a judgment on a person’s age, which is often a really difficult thing to do.