Bestway Stores Age Verification Technology

Bestway takes part in Home Office age verification tech trials.

14:30 22 February 2022

Bestway is set to become the first among the convenience channel to test the new age verification technology. It aims to prevent those under 18 from buying alcohol and tobacco products. 

 

The wholesaler has officially joined the regulatory 'sandbox' trial, a part of a Home Office programme designed to enable businesses to test new approaches in real-world situations to gain a better understanding of the implications. 

 

The technology will be trialled at Bestway's stores in Leeds, including Bargain Booze in Otley, Wine Rack in Roundhay and Tippl in Garforth. 

 

Bestway Wholesale retail director Mike Hollis said: “We’re proud to be pioneering the use of age verification technology in our drinks-led specialist stores. Staff abuse is rife in the convenience channel, and when we surveyed staff in our three participating stores, the responses received showed that staff abuse, particularly when it comes to the refusal to sell alcohol, is a significant issue.

 

Innovative Technology ICU product manager Andrew O’Brien added: “We are delighted to be accepted into the UK government sandbox scheme and see all our hard work undertaken over the past few months come to fruition.

 

“Our team has liaised with local licensing authorities, local police officers and local councils to ensure our solution is safe, legal and meets the criteria of the scheme. ICU age verification technology will now be piloted in several Bestway Retail stores in Yorkshire, and we will closely monitor our test sites to ensure we support the retailers’ and collate the relevant data throughout the trial.”