Convenience store in major retail chain implements age estimation from Innovative Technology

Central Convenience Store in Southampton have installed AI-driven biometric technology from Innovative Technology (ITL) to help with age checks for age-restricted goods. Central Convenience Store is the latest store in the Bestway Retail chain to implement ITL’s age estimation technology following a UK Government trial to test out the technology and previous successful deployments in Costcutter and Bargain Booze.

Commenting on the latest deployment, Chris Wright, UK Business Development Manager said, “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 said, “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.”

Concluding Chris added, “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.”