Nevada now requires ID scanning for sale of tobacco products

packs of cigarettes

Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 02:28 pm

Nevada has always been a state at the forefront of ID Scanning Laws and Compliance, and starting January 1, 2023, a bill A360 became law. Bill A360 further regulates the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other vaping products to persons under the age of 18. To remain compliant, ID scanning for tobacco purchases must be implemented. Establishments must demand that the customer present a valid driver’s license, resident card, tribal card, or other written documentation of age verification for any person appearing to be under the age of 40 years old. 

Learn more about all of Nevada’s state laws related to ID scanning >>

What’s changed

In the past, businesses could just perform a visual inspection of the ID; with bill A360, every seller of tobacco products must utilize “enhanced control methods such as using scanning technology or another software based program that can verify the customer’s age.” This means some sort of ID scanner that can read and parse the 2D barcode, and perform front and back matching.

This means that every gas station, liquor store, casino, grocery store, or any establishment that sells tobacco products (including vapes) needs to employ a scanner that is hooked up to software capable of reading IDs and detecting fake IDs.

Penalties

The penalties for an employee or agent of a licensee violating the law are as follows:

  1. For the first and second violation within a 24-month period at the same premises, the licensee must be issued a warning.
  1. For the third violation within a 24-month period at the same premises, the licensee is liable for a civil penalty of $500.
  1. For the fourth violation within a 24-month period at the same premises, the licensee is liable for a civil penalty of $1,250.
  1. For the fifth and any subsequent violation within a 24-month period at the same premises, the licensee is liable for a civil penalty of $2,500.

Who must comply

The regulations don’t just apply to in-person purchases but online ones as well. Any establishment selling or distributing tobacco, tobacco products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other vaping products via computer, telephone, or other electronic system must perform an age verification through an independent, third-party age verification service that has the capability to compare the customer’s information with any records that may be available to the public in order to verify age. The method of shipping must also require a signature from the person over 18 years of age before the items may be released to the customer.

Recommended Solutions

IDScan.net offers a variety of options that can help your business remain compliant when ID scanning for tobacco purchases, and we have listed some of the best options below. 

E-Seek M260

The E-Seek M260 is perfect for those establishments with limited countertop space. This compact scanner allows for the user to either insert or swipe the ID, depending on the user’s needs. Powered via cord, you never have to worry about a dead scanner in the middle of rush hour. This scanner is perfect for those establishments that don’t get a ton of international clients since it only scans 2D Barcodes and MSRs, and are looking for a lower cost option.

E-Seek M500 Forensic Document Reader

The M500 is perfect for any establishment that needs authentication, other third-party checks, or offers age-restricted vending. The scanner has a motorized side load design that allows you to quickly and precisely check IDs.  This unit is also powered via cord, so again, you never have to worry about this unit running out of battery life in the middle of peak hours. This ID scanner is the best option for those wanting the most accurate verification possible of scanned IDs.

This ID scanner includes full-color ID scans with the built in 600 dpi camera and magstripe reader allowing for proper authentication or third party checks. The only con for this ID scanner is the size. The E-Seek M500 is a relatively large unit that will need a table to sit on during use, so it might not be the best choice for those establishments looking for a portable ID scanner. 

IDWare Falcon Countertop ID Scanning Kiosk

The newest product in our fleet, the IDWare Falcon is perfect for those establishments that offer delivery options because it has an agreement section built in, which is perfect for the required signature upon delivery being implemented with this new bill. This tablet sized ID scanner is not just a scanner, but has the visitor management aspect built right in for those establishments that desire said feature. The Falcon can either be portable or mounted on a stand, and if it is on the stand, patrons can just hold their ID under the built-in scanner for quick and easy verification. This scanner can be used on or offline which makes it the perfect option for those in the field making deliveries.

The IDWare Falcon has a whopping 8 LCD inch screen, and the built-in scanner is able to read 1D and 2D barcodes, PDF417, NFC and MRZs. This makes it especially good for those businesses that get a lot of international visitors that may not have a United States driver’s license. 

Conclusion

Above are three solid options for establishments, looking to stay compliant at the start of the New Year, but if none of those suit your needs, we have plenty of other ID scanners for you to choose from. Be sure to talk with one of our industry experts so that they can help guide you to make the perfect decision.

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