Responsible Alcohol Sales: Age Guardian, a Valuable Ally for Cashiers
A recent study of Zones SAQ reveals a concerning finding: in 70% of observed cases, young adults aged 18 to 25 were able to purchase alcohol without being asked to show identification.
This statistic highlights just how challenging age verification can be for retail employees on a daily basis.
As Martin Lachance, President of SEMB-SAQ, points out:
“Selling alcohol responsibly is a profession. It requires trained employees, time, and proper supervision.”
Age Guardian : Practical Support at the Checkout
In convenience stores and grocery stores, cashiers must make quick decisions. Estimating a customer's age isn't always easy, especially when a line starts forming.
Age Guardian uses artificial intelligence to estimate a customer's apparent age in real time, helping employees determine when to request identification.
Specifically, this technology helps:
Reduce hesitation by providing an immediate indication of a customer's apparent age.
Boost cashier confidence when requesting identification.
Promote consistent age verification practices, even among less experienced employees.
Simplify checkout operations through fast assistance integrated into the sales process.
Age Guardian does not replace a cashier's judgment or the need to verify identification. Instead, it provides additional support at the right moment.
Supporting Retailers and Organizations Like the SAQ
Training and supervision remain essential. But why not also equip employees with tools that support them directly in their daily work?
Age Guardian could help organizations like the SAQ and their retail partners by making it easier to consistently apply age verification policies.
Because preventing alcohol sales to minors also means giving frontline employees the tools they need to succeed.
