Liquor stores consider scanning IDs

John Freeman, deputy director of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, says the $900 machines would scan driver licenses to make sure someone's ID is real and let store clerks know if someone is old enough to buy alcohol.

In recent months, minors have successfully been able to buy alcohol from state-run liquor stores in Vernal and St. George.

"It's very sobering to us, and it's something we take very seriously," Freeman said.

Freeman said a part-time employee at the St. George store "fat-fingered" the birth date entry — a human error, which he said is the most common reason stores sell alcohol to minors as part of law enforcement stings. The employee was disciplined, but not fired, said James Long, assistant manager of the store.

"I find that somewhat tolerable," Freeman said of the mistake. "It's not an excuse, but people make mistakes."

Some liquor store customers say they're concerned the scanners would cost the state too much money and are also concerned that it could be an invasion of privacy.

"I'm not sure we need to spend $900 to read a birthday," said Ellis Peterson, a St. George resident, who stopped at the liquor store Thursday. "Underage kids are going to try to get alcohol no matter what — they always have."

Peterson said the card-reader might make it more difficult to get liquor at state liquor stores, but minors would still find other ways.

"I'm not sure it's worth the cost, or having your information in a machine," he said.

Freeman said retained information from the scanner could only be accessed with a code.

The Utah Hospitality Association is also proposing using the scanners in the state's bars as part of a compromise to eliminate the state's unique private club system. Under the association's proposal, scanners would not retain personal information.

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