Various countries are strengthening age verification laws to limit youth access to alcohol and tobacco. Greece has introduced legislation requiring vendors to verify customer age. Similar measures are being adopted in Russia, New York, and Maryland, with a focus on using biometric data and digital IDs to ensure compliance.
In response to predictions for 2025, several nations are enhancing age verification laws to protect minors from alcohol and tobacco. Greece has enacted legislation that mandates age checks in all retail and hospitality venues, requiring vendors to verify identification before the sale of these products. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized this goal during the proposal made by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Deputy Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos.
The new law includes a ban on selling tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age, with establishments risking severe penalties for violations, including temporary closures or permanent license revocation for repeat offenses. This action aligns with trends seen within the European Union, promoting stricter age verification regulations.
In Russia, officials announced that alcoholic beverage sales at retail locations will soon require biometric data verification. Head of the Center for Biometric Technologies, Vladislav Povolotsky, shared that the service, previously applied to energy drinks, is now prepared for offline age checks on alcoholic purchases.
Meanwhile, in New York State, a senate bill is advancing to permit biometric identity checks for age verification prior to purchasing alcohol or tobacco. In Maryland’s Montgomery County, a pilot program to use state digital IDs for age verification at alcohol retail points is set to begin, though adoption rates have been slow since its launch in 2022.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich noted, “By accepting mobile IDs, we’re providing a modern solution that simplifies transactions, enhances privacy and prevents fraud.” If the pilot is successful, it may expand to additional retail locations, further integrating digital solutions into age verification processes.
In England, the retail chain SPAR Western Downs has implemented MyCheckr, which automates age verification to minimize confrontations with customers and ensure compliance with laws like Challenge 25. This system provides a reliable process for age checks, reducing reliance on staff judgment and enhancing legal compliance.
Countries are increasingly recognizing the need for robust age verification systems for alcohol and tobacco sales to safeguard minors. From Greece’s legislative advancements to Maryland’s digital ID initiative, various approaches are being explored to enhance these regulatory measures. Technological solutions such as biometric verification offer promising avenues to streamline the process while improving compliance and customer interactions.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
