Buying Wine: Had Your License Scanned?

by Shona Milne on March 28, 2010

I stumbled upon an article on The Press Democrat about how northern California Safeway stores were implementing a test program to scan driver’s licenses when anyone, regardless of age, is purchasing alcohol. I found this interesting as I have purchased alcohol from my local Target store recently and had to have my license scanned. The reason given is that they are cracking down on underage alcohol sales. There is the question about what is being done with this data. I was surprised when this happened to me. I usually buy direct from wineries. Has this happened to anyone else? Did you question it?

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

MagnumGourmet 03.28.10 at 9:39 pm

I had this happen when I stopped in for a rum tasting at a distillery in Kauai. According to Hawaii state law, a consumer can only have one 1/2 ounce sample per day. The scan allows the tasting room to determine if you have already been in that day.

Shona Milne 03.29.10 at 1:49 pm

I was just completely stunned when it happened. The only reason given for wine is age. I think I look a little over 21 at this point. There is still the quesiton of what is being done with the data.

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