The day has finally arrived. We are happy to unveil an exclusive look at our age restricted vending machine in action at the 2023 NAMA Show. We attended alongside our partners from FastCorp and Thru Solutions who all played parts in producing the all purpose machine shown below.
See the Age Restricted Vending Machine in Action!
See our partner validating his identity. The ID is inserted into the embedded M500, set through a series of light checks, and validated. He is then sent through guided prompts on face matching and anti spoofing. The whole process incredibly easy and takes less than 15 seconds!
How Does it Work?
As you can see from the video above, the process is self guided, quick, and easy, but here is a breakdown of how the age verification process actually works.
This process starts with a customer inserting their ID into the designated area after selecting the product they want to purchase. Inside that slot is a built-in ID Scanner that scans the ID using white light, UV light, and infrared light to authenticate the legitimacy of the ID. After the ID has been authenticated, the age restricted vending machine then guides users through the Biometric section of the process. As you saw, the customer was asked to follow a series of commands in order to assure matching to the ID while ensuring liveness and anti-spoofing of the customer to prevent fraud.
But won’t all of these machines take away from the curb appeal? No. All of these built in security features and integrations are seamlessly hidden inside the machine, so that the outside remains sleek and branded to your specifications.
Use Cases
The best part of the age restricted vending machine is the efficiency of it. As you can see in the video, the entire process only took about 30 seconds. The longest part is deciding which product you want to purchase from the age restricted vending machine.
The machine is fully customizable and can house a variety of products in different shapes and sizes. You aren’t limited to soda size cans, or chip size bags. Custom molds are created so that you can put whatever age restricted product inside that you desire, including alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, or even all three at the same time. The possibilities and combinations are endless due to the built in security features mentioned above. This makes it the perfect solution for busy bars who need to free up bartenders for cocktail only orders, and for smoke shops and dispensaries who want a quick and efficient checkout method for those customers that know what they want. For certain states you could even place these machines in shopping malls or on busy streets depending on state regulations for age restricted products.
To learn more about how you can obtain one of these groundbreaking age restricted vending machines, contact a member of our team.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/showcasing-age-restricted-vending-at-NAMA-2023-scaled.jpg7202560Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2023-05-11 15:41:292023-05-11 15:41:32Showcasing Age Restricted Vending at NAMA 2023
Alcohol delivery has become a popular service in the past years, but the pandemic definitely accelerated that popularity, and the loosening of restrictions. The U.S. is no stranger to beer and wine delivery being legal, seeing as 31 states currently have laws in place allowing it, but only 12 states allow all alcohol types, including liquor to be delivered.
Kansas lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 253 in an effort to modernize the state’s liquor laws to allow delivery of all alcohol types. While the bill is still in the early stages of its life, here is what we know.
Changes to the Current Delivery Laws
The change of allowing alcohol delivery in Kansas would be a major step forward for the historically conservative state. Until very recently, Kansas had some of the strictest laws in the country. As of 2019, Kansas still had 3 dry counties prohibiting on premise liquor sales. There were blackout days prohibiting sales until a recent amendment in 2021 and you certainly couldn’t get liquor delivered. Currently, alcoholic beverages may be taken to-go, with certain rules in place.
1. Beer, CMB or wine purchased on the licensed premises may be sold to go in its original, unopened container and placed in a clear, tamper proof bag.
2. All opened containers must be resealed and placed in a clear, tamper proof bag.
3. A dated receipt must be given to the patron.
4. Sales of to-go drinks must cease at 11 p.m.
5. If wine was partially consumed on the licensed premises, the licensee may reseal the bottle and place it in the clear, tamper proof bag with a receipt for removal after 11 p.m.
While the aforementioned option is much improved from Kansas’ previous alcohol delivery laws, the new legislation would push the boundaries even further. SB 253 would legalize the delivery of liquor and cereal malt beverages from licensed retailers such as licensed clubs, drinking establishments, restaurants, and even third-party delivery services.
ID Scanning Required Upon Delivery
In an effort to ensure no deliveries are being made to underage individuals, SB253 states, “individuals engaged in a delivery service shall use an identification scanning software technology or an alternative approved by the director, to verify the age of the consumer upon delivery.” While this might be new technology in the state of Kansas, our team at IDScan.net is no stranger to portable ID scanning solutions.
We offer a variety of handheld devices that are lightweight, portable, and can work both with and without internet connection. The ID scanner of your choice is paired with our VeriScan software to check customer age by scanning a valid ID upon each delivery. Delivery personnel can simply point the integrated barcode scanner at a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID and get age verification results almost instantaneously. Some other features to note are the ability to capture images, create unique lists that customers can be placed into, and even document signing should the need arise.
Recordkeeping and PII
Recordkeeping
Another important compliance issue to note is that “retailers or third-party delivery service permit holders shall maintain records of alcoholic liquor sales delivered for a period of three years.” Luckily, the scanned history can be easily exported from the VeriScan Online portal for your business to safely file away for the required period of time.
PII
SB253 states that any personal data collected in order to comply with the requirements of the bill shall be limited to only what is adequate, relevant, and reasonably necessary. VeriScan offers complete customization of scanned information to ensure your business remains compliant based on the specific ID Scanning Laws in your state.
The bill was just introduced on Feb. 15, 2023, and had its first hearing on Mar. 10, 2023, so it still remains to be seen what the outcome of the bill will be, but we will be following along closely. Stay tuned for more updates on SB253, and should you have any questions on how our technology works, or if you’re interested in scheduling a demo to get ahead of the curve, be sure to contact our team today.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/alcohol-delivery-in-Kansas-could-soon-be-legal.jpeg9401500Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2023-03-29 15:57:242023-04-27 11:04:16Alcohol Delivery in Kansas Could Soon Be Legal
Gone are the days of old vending machines where you press B3 in order to get a bag of chips. Now, these vending machines are large, elaborate units with interactive touch screens that offer an endless array of product options, among those are cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol.
IDScan.net will debut new, age restricted vending (ARV) at MJBizCon 2022. Though the machine at the show will be tailored to the cannabis industry, embedded age verification makes the device suitable for selling all types of products, from CBD to ammo.
This innovative, new cannabis vending machine is made possible through the collaboration of several companies. But what makes this cannabis vending machine different from others before it? Simple. Biometric and ID Scanning technology, combined into one powerful authentication engine.
Why Prior Cannabis Vending Machines Have Struggled Post-Launch
Since 2020, several companies have launched machines they have marketed as “cannabis vending machines.” Most notably is Green Roads, a product from American Vending. But, when it comes to compliance with age requirements and ensuring underage people won’t be able to buy cannabis or CBD products they have said, “yes, the machines ask customers to affirm that they’re 18, but that’s hard to enforce” per a Forbes article written earlier this year. Simply put, the machine lacks the capability of reliably authenticating an ID, and matching the purchaser to the photo on that ID.
Another company based in Colorado, Anna, also created their version of the cannabis vending machine, but with a couple of caveats. First, the machine has to physically be inside the dispensary in order to be allowed. Second, and most importantly, the “automated vending machine” must be manned by a budtender so that they can physically check with customers ID, at which point, the machine seems a little redundant and a checkout line would be just as easy. For those truly wanting an automated experience, ID Scanning and Biometric analysis needs to be incorporated into the machine.
The new cannabis vending machine offered by IDScan.net and their collaborators solved this problem by the integration of a custom software that guides customers via voice prompts through the ID Scanning and Facial Recognition portion of the purchase.
This process starts with a customer inserting their ID into the designated area. Inside that machine is a built-in ID Scanner that scans the ID using white light, UV light, and infrared light to authenticate the legitimacy of the ID. After the ID has been authenticated, the cannabis vending machine then guides users through the Biometric section of the process. The customer is asked to follow a series of commands in order to assure matching to the ID while ensuring liveness and anti-spoofing of the customer to prevent fraud.
While all of this might sound like a long process just to purchase some Cannabis or CBD products, the entire age verification process takes less than 30seconds! That is a miniscule amount of time to ensure that your business remains compliant and you don’t lose your Cannabis retail license.
To learn more about our Cannabis Vending Machines, or other ways Age Restricted Vending can benefit your business, be sure to contact us!
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/why-idscan.net-arv-for-cannabis-is-changing-the-game-for-marijuana-vending-machines-e1666642603609.jpg4721200Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-10-24 15:18:162023-04-26 11:37:10Why IDScan.net ARV for Cannabis Is Changing The Game for Marijuana Vending Machines
Up until 2012, marijuana for recreational marijuana use was illegal. Now it is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, with an annual revenue of $25 billion and growing! But while cannabis is such a lucrative vertical, recreational use still remains illegal in some states, and in others, daily purchasing limits remain heavily regulated.
What is Looping and Smurfing?
Looping and smurfing are very similar, with the difference being in the purchase locations. They are both intended to circumvent the daily purchasing limits by use of creative methods. Both of these methods exploit a “loophole” in the law. Cannabis sellers use looping to acquire amounts of product beyond the legal limits for resale in states or countries where cannabis is still illegal, or to resell on the black market.
Looping
Looping is done by making several trips to the same dispensary in the same day. The customers will go in, purchase the desired products, checkout and leave. Upon leaving, they wait a short period of time and return to the same dispensary and repeat the process.
Smurfing
Smurfing is done in a very similar way, with the key difference being a rotation of dispensaries. Again, these patrons will visit a dispensary, buy the desired products, check out, and leave. But, instead of re-entering the same dispensary, they go to another dispensary and repeat the process.
The Risk of Noncompliance
One of the most recent high-profile cases of noncompliance was back in 2017 with Sweet Leaf. It was discovered that executives were allowing the budtenders to completely overlook these transgressions while allowing some customers to make purchases up to 40 times per day. While the charges against the budtenders were dropped, they were still required to perform community service. As for the executives and higher-up employees, they lost all 26 of their licenses, fined $2 million, banned from the industry for 15 years, with an additional $8.8 million tacked on for unpaid rent fees on the commercial properties. Several former executives were also sentenced to time in prison due to allowing almost 2.5 tons of marijuana to make it to the black market.
How to Protect Your Business
Compliance can be an extremely simple process. All it requires is a few extra seconds with each customer, and a trusted ID Scanner For Dispensaries. With the appropriate hardware and software combination, it all but ensures your business remains compliant.
The appropriate scanner uses a series of lighting checks to check for embedded security features such as holograms and watermarks to help prevent the use of fake IDs. By scanning a customer’s ID upon dispensary entry and/or purchase your dispensary will have an accurate record of each time a customer has entered the premises. When integrated with your cannabis POS system, each ID scan can also be associated with a purchase. VeriScan software includes setup for automatic alerting when customers have reached their daily purchase limit according to your state’s unique laws.
If you’re worried about certain privacy retention laws (PII), don’t worry, because we factored that into our software as well. Based on the regulations of your state, the storage of customer data can be adjusted to ensure compliance on that front as well.
Trying to navigate such a rapidly changing industry can seem tricky, but luckily we have some of the best Cannabis compliance experts in the game. Schedule a call today to see how IDScan.net can help your dispensary remain compliant and protect from looping.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ID-Scanning-For-Dispensaries-Prevent-Looping-IDScan.net_.jpg5751200Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-10-04 08:53:312022-10-04 08:53:42How to Protect Your Dispensary From Looping
As a business owner, not only do you have a moral obligation to, but also a legal obligation to to ensure you’re not selling age restricted products to minors. It seems simple, just put an “Are you over 18 or 21?” button on your website right? Wrong! Just having this button in place does not actually verify age, meaning your business might not be in compliance with the law.
Regulations Based on Industry
What are some of the most common e-commerce age verification purchases being made online?
To buy or sell vapes online or other e-cigarettes and tobacco products is extremely common, but you have to be at least 21 to purchase. However, a study by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that in North Carolina, minors were successfully purchasing these age restricted products without any age verification an astounding 95% of the time.
Similar requirements are in place to sell cannabis online. Buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase cannabis. However, it is a little trickier to successfully purchase marijuana as a minor because upon delivery (if that is available in your state), you must present an ID for inspection before the goods are handed off to you.
For online alcohol purchases, you again have to be 21, but that doesn’t stop teens trying to buy a drink. An article published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that 45% of alcohol purchase attempts made by underage persons were successful, even despite using their real ID. That leads to a whole other compliance issue, but for now, we are focused on the online aspect of things. As a business owner, do you know how to sell wine online will remaining compliant with state and federal laws? Age verification can help.
One final major industry where age verification is key, online gambling. You are supposed to be 21 to legally gamble, but that hasn’t stopped the children of the internet age. A study found that between 4-8% of youth between the ages of 12-17 years old have a “very serious gambling problem”, while 10-15% more are at risk of developing a gambling addiction. While in person gambling is strictly regulated, the online version is a little murkier. Due to the anonymity and ease of access of online gambling, it has become very easy for minors to gamble if they so desire.
How Can You Remain Compliant Using E-Commerce Age Verification Methods?
Based on your industry, there are a number of precautions you can take to ensure compliance. An easy one is to scan an ID for age verification upon delivery of an age restricted product. A more secure, but still relatively easy method is to add an age verification button to your website. Now, you might think, “I already have one”, but if you’re not taking extra steps past the simple click of a button, your business isn’t truly verifying the age of your customers. This is where IDScan.net comes into the picture.
Adding that little button asking if the customer is older than 21 is a great first step, but what comes next? Our software can be quickly and easily integrated into your existing platform to require that your customers are sent a text message where they can scan their ID, as well as take a selfie that is then analyzed via AI technology to help verify your customer’s age. Our facial recognition technology, anti-spoofing checks, and liveness checks, combined with the physical ID photo that is uploaded, can quickly and easily verify age and ensure your business is taking the proper steps needed to remain compliant.
Here at IDScan.net we are constantly testing and teaching our AI to help ensure security and compliance of the highest standard. To learn more about how our solutions can be integrated into your business or about ID Scanning Laws in your state, please visit our website, or set up an appointment with one of our industry experts.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ecommerce-age-verification.png281620Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-09-08 15:40:402022-11-07 10:04:01Why You Should Have Stronger Age Verification Methods on Your Website
The protection of one’s personal information is a touchy subject, especially when it comes to cannabis. Although legal in 35 states, it is still not legal at the federal level, and many employers still drug test for THC. For these reasons, many dispensary customers are concerned about retention and sharing of their personal information.
We frequently see Reddit threads asking for clarification on why dispensaries scan their ID and/or record their personal information:
As experts in dispensary ID scanning, and data retention policies, we want to clear up misconceptions, put consumers’ minds at ease, and share our knowledge about best practices for age verification for dispensaries. So what happens when your ID is scanned while purchasing cannabis or cannabis related products?
First, the answer depends on whether the cannabis you’re purchasing (or dispensary you’re visiting) is recreational use or medical use. Most states have different regulations and governing bodies for medical and recreational marijuana.
Data Privacy for Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries
As for recreational use, things get a bit tricky, and it often varies on a state by state basis with some states banning the sharing of personal information with the government entirely. All states require age verification of consumers before cannabis purchase, and three states (Nevada, Illinois, and New Jersey) require that age verification be performed digitally, using an ID scanner, to better detect fake IDs.
Currently, New Jersey is the only state we are aware of that requires that audit logs be shared with the state NJCRC. However, these audit logs contain no PII except for date of birth, so they could not be used to identify a specific customer or purchase at a New Jersey dispensary.
So while all states have very strict track-and-trace rules for chain of custody on the cannabis products that are sold, 0 states actually require any retention of PII on customers that enter the premises.
States such as Illinois, Montana, and California all have set limits for retention of PII, from Illinois (where no PII can be retained from an ID scan), to Montana (where data can be retained for up to 180 days). These states are taking active measures to ensure PII is regularly removed from the system, and that privacy of cannabis purchasers is a priority for dispensaries.
The other main reason that dispensaries gather your personal information is to ensure you stay within the legal purchase limits, which vary by state. By scanning your ID and storing your personal information in a general system for a short amount of time, it ensures that both you and the business are protected from exceeding your daily maximum. For dispensaries with multiple locations they will likely share your purchase amount with a centralized database to combat looping. However, this information is stored securely inside the cannabis retailer’s POS or customer tracking system. It is not integrated or uploaded to any government databases.
For dispensaries, if they are found to be violating daily maximum laws they can be fined, or even lose their license. So tracking daily maximums for each customer is crucial. Owners of a Colorado dispensary were sentenced to prison in 2019 for looping that allowed more than 2.5 tons of marijuana to hit the black market.
Whether or not the business is digitally scanning, they are likely still entering your information into their CRM or database for the purpose of internal marketing. The dispensary market is highly competitive, and sending marketing emails, SMS messages, or even direct-mail coupons, can help retain customers. By creating a customer profile and tracking your purchase habits, the company has a better chance of selling more to you in the future.
Data Privacy for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Data privacy and retention for medical marijuana vary by state.
Most states, such as Florida, have a Medical Marijuana Registry, which is used to issue a Medical Marijuana Card that includes a photo ID that is physically sent as part of the registration process. This card must be shown to gain entry to dispensaries (and in some cases swiped). However, because these HIPAA records are legally required to be kept private, thus protecting personal information related to prescribed cannabis purchase. To get a medical marijuana card, you must receive a recommendation from a certified physician upon diagnosis of a qualifying condition, and then apply with their government entity.
The following states issue medical marijuana cards and have centralized databases of all eligible patients, and do not offer recreational marijuana (and therefore no ability for legal purchase without sharing PII with the government).
Louisiana is another example of a medical-only state, but one that does not use cards, or have a centralized database of any kind. After assessment by a physician, the recommendation may be made for cannabis to be part of your treatment plan. The doctor will then send the recommendation to a dispensary, thus allowing the patient to purchase medical marijuana – similar to the way a pharmacy works for prescription pills. The only records of the cannabis prescription and purchase are with the prescribing physician and the dispensary.
Because the vast majority of insurance companies do not cover prescribed cannabis, they do not hold any records for the prescription or coverage for the product. So there is less opportunity for a paper trail than other prescriptions where the insurance company will also hold a detailed record.
As many states legalize recreational cannabis, the need for stringent medical marijuana programs lessens, and fewer patients utilize the more stringent model of verification and product purchase. So if staying off of any government lists or databases is important you may want to forego a cannabis prescription and purchase via recreational channels.
Summary
The short answer to the question of whether or not recreational dispensaries are sharing your information with the government is: no. Why are we so confident?
No state Cannabis Control Board requires that dispensaries share PII on their customers.
Many state Cannabis Control Boards specifically require that dispensaries dump PII and/or require reasonable measures to ensure privacy of their customers.
There is no federal Cannabis Control organization, and states do not share data between them.
There is no mechanism or format for collection of customer information that could be readily exported and shared with any government or private entity.
The largest POS systems are configured to save information that is relevant to customer loyalty and marketing.
So don’t worry: your cannabis purchases are not being tracked at either the state or federal level, and even if your favorite dispensary scans your ID, they are simply verifying your age and streamlining the creation of your customer profile. No PII is exported or shared with the government.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Do-Dispensaries-Share-My-Information-With-The-Government-IDScan.net-Header.jpg4491200Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-09-07 15:19:122023-02-09 17:32:30Do Dispensaries Share My Information with the Government?
DoorDash is rolling out new in-app ID verification to ensure that alcohol is delivered only to people over the age of 21. The updated two-step procedure comes on the heels of COVID 19 pandemic, which saw the number of consumers buying alcohol online nearly double, from 19% in 2019 to 44% 2020. DoorDash currently delivers alcohol in 20 states.
New ID Scanning Safety Protocols
The new safety protocols build on current steps DoorDash takes to verify that alcohol is delivered safely, which includes customers first uploading a photo of their ID onto the DoorDash platform. The customer’s information is then stored securely for future alcohol purchases.
To receive the order, DoorDash drivers use their smartphones to scan the front of the customer ID. Each time alcohol is delivered, the customer will need to provide a valid ID to be scanned. Customers also have the option to opt-out or self-exclude themselves from alcohol delivery, much like customers have on many gaming platforms.
Alcohol purchases require that customers receive the order in person. If someone else accepts the order, DoorDashers will ask to verify their age and scan a valid government issued ID to ensure the recipient is of legal age. It is also important to note that DoorDash will not deliver alcohol to an individual that appears intoxicated.
For more information on ID scanning and age verification solutions, contact IDScan.net
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/doordash.jpg6671000Jillian Kossmanhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngJillian Kossman2022-08-04 09:43:442023-04-13 10:03:21DoorDash Adds ID Verification for Alcohol Delivery
Nevada has always been a state at the forefront of ID Scanning Laws and Compliance, and starting January 1, 2023, a bill A360 becomes law. Bill A360 will further regulate the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other vaping products to persons under the age of 18. To remain compliant, before the sale of the aforementioned products, 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.
While today, businesses can 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 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) will need 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:
For the first and second violation within a 24 month period at the same premises, the licensee must be issued a warning.
For the third violation within a 24 month period at the same premises, the licensee is liable for a civil penalty of $500.
For the fourth violation within a 24 month period at the same premises, the licensee is liable for a civil penalty of $1,250.
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 with this new law, and we have listed some of the best options below.
The 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.
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.
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.
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. We also have a Nevada AB360 ID Scanner Bundle which includes everything you need in one purhase.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tobacco-and-vape.jpg482724Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-07-12 11:08:472022-12-05 10:04:30Starting January 1, 2023, Nevada will require ID Scanning for Tobacco Sales
On March 4th, 2021 during a regular New York congress assembly session, a new paragraph was suggested in relation to additional verification measures before the sale of alcohol, tobacco, or electronic cigarette products. This bill would allow retailers to require some form of biometric scanning such as fingerprinting, iris scanning, facial scanning, etc. before permitting the transaction.
Why do they want to start Biometric Scanning?
Not only would this be “the new frontier of age verification”, but it would also “advance the interests of convenience,” said state Sen. James Skoufis, who is sponsoring the bill. The state Senator is not only hoping to cut down on the number of fake IDs being sold, but by using facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, it could lead to a future of convenience. Skoufis is hopeful that one day, customers won’t even have to take their ID out at previously visited establishments.
When does it go into effect?:
While it remains unclear as to when the new law will go into effect, we do know that the New York State lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year of 2022 on June 2 to further discuss items on the agenda. However, although it remains undetermined when the new ruling will go into effect, it does not mean businesses should wait. With global supply chain shortages, the invasion of Ukraine (the supplier of around half the world’s supply of neon needles needed to create chips) and another lockdown in the province of China responsible for the product of most of the world’s microchips, the time to prepare is now.
Compliance:
Although this new bill would allow businesses to require biometric data, it does not mean they are required to do so. Simple age verification measures such as ID Scanning are still acceptable for those that wish, but anyone under the age of 21 should still be denied purchase. However, why stay stuck in the “Middle Ages”, as one senator stated. This new ruling could not only put a strain on the fake ID realm, but could prevent the sale of harmful substances to minors. By analyzing unique facial shapes and features, sophisticated algorithms are able to create a specific signature for an individual’s face, much like a unique fingerprint. To learn more about how our facial recognition software works, please read our Facial Recognition Anti-Spoofing blog.
Benefit:
ID Scanning and Biometric Scanning not only eliminates human error, but they also help to speed up processes in an already time consuming process. This technology allows you to quickly identify individuals who are underage, catch fake IDs, create specific profiles, and much more. All of the major companies of the future are already using biometric scanning as a means of visitor management, so why not join them in the future.
IDScan.net’s age verification and biometric solutions can help retailers verify age for every customer and catch fake IDs. We offer ID scanning, facial scanning, and fingerprint scanning solutions currently, while striving for innovation of new verification solutions as well. Contact a member of our team to learn more: 888.430.8936.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pexels-chris-f-1283219-scaled-e1652719135157.jpg8001200Brittaney Gillieshttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngBrittaney Gillies2022-05-18 10:00:002023-04-27 12:25:46New York State Considers Biometric Scanning For Alcohol and Tobacco Purchases
The cannabis industry has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation. This has never been more apparent than during the Covid-19 pandemic, when cannabis retailers were forced to reconcile the conflict between mandated storefront closures and essential business status. By relying on the integration of technology and existing alternatives to conventional in-person shopping, the cannabis industry didn’t just meet the challenges of the pandemic – they transformed them into business opportunities
While online ordering, curbside pickup, drive thru, and delivery services are nothing new for commercial businesses, the successful rapid adoption of these practices into cannabis operations across the country was impressive, to say the least. Now, the cannabis industry has its eyes on another proven alternative to in-person retail transactions – unattended retail.
Otherwise known as ‘vending machines,’ unattended retail has been a part of casual commerce for decades, used for everything from food/beverage purchases, movie rentals, hygiene products, and more. Providing an unparalleled level of convenience for consumers, unattended retail eliminates the need to visit a brick-and-mortar establishment to buy the things you use the most.
Unattended Retail for Age Restricted Products
Using unattended retail for age restricted products is also nothing new, although considerably less common in the U.S. today than their non-restricted counterparts. Cigarette vending machines were first developed in 1926 by William Rowe, who went on to found the first manufacturing company in the U.S. to mass produce unattended retail machines for tobacco. However, due to the inability of these machines to verify the age of the consumer, these devices have become relatively rare and are typically only found in places that restrict minors from entering (such as bars, clubs, etc.).
But in light of the increased danger posed to consumers by direct-contact purchases during the pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in developing solutions to the problem of age verification and unattended retail for products like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.
Aside from growing their businesses, the number one priority for all cannabis companies should be maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Unattended cannabis retail machines are a great opportunity for expanding sales and maximizing profit, but ensuring that minors are unable to make a purchase prior to deploying these machines is absolutely critical.
That’s why cannabis retailers are partnering with experts in the ID verification industry to implement effective solutions for unattended retail that help ensure regulatory compliance. So how does it work?
Verifying IDs at unattended cannabis retail machines relies on the integration of AI software, biometric analysis, and image processing applications. Customers at the point of purchase are first required to upload a digital image of a valid ID into the verification provider/cannabis retailer’s online interface. When making a purchase, biometric face scanning technology matches the consumer with the ID on file and the transaction can be completed.
In addition to facial biometrics, some cannabis retailers also require fingerprint biometrics, which can then be used to quickly verify identity for repeat purchases. Other solutions used by retailers include the integration of cryptocurrency, requiring customers to use a unique digital currency to complete a purchase. This currency can only be used at these machines, is non-transferrable, and can only be purchased after completing an age verification process.
Currently, the use of facial and fingerprint biometric verification that matches customers with verified ID data every time a purchase is made is the most effective way to successfully deploy an unattended cannabis retail machine.
Additional Benefits – Data Collection
Aside from expanding the reach of a cannabis establishment beyond the walls of the dispensary, cannabis vending machines also provide retailers with an incredibly valuable tool for consumer data collection. Not only does the age verification process gather demographic information about verified consumers, but it also requires the use of personal mobile devices at the point of purchase.
When a verified customer uses their mobile device at a machine, retailers can leverage device information to deploy geo-location marketing tactics and consumer retargeting ad activations. Additionally, cannabis companies with access to mobile device data can discover which digital publications and social media platforms customers are using, improving the effectiveness of ad purchases and placements.
The Future of Cannabis Retail
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, balancing age restriction regulations with customer convenience will remain a primary focus for businesses and consumers alike. Unattended retail machines are an integral part of this, providing opportunities for cannabis purchases in places that would have otherwise been impossible, such as cruise ships, casinos, and hotels.
Cannabis companies hoping to take advantage of these opportunities will need to rely on the expertise of companies on the forefront of the digital ID verification industry.
Reach out to an expert at IDScan.net to get started on your unattended retail journey today.
https://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Age_Restricted_Vending_IDScan.net_.png7161200Denis Petrovhttps://idscan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDScan.net-Logo-300x137.pngDenis Petrov2022-05-16 11:22:402022-05-20 09:33:09Unattended Retail in the Cannabis Industry - How to Verify Age and Identity
