Tesco Premier store implements ITL’s age control solution

Scottish independent shop owner Girish Jeeva who runs a convenience store under the Tesco-owned banner Premier has implemented age an estimation solution from Innovative Technology Ltd (ITL). Situated near several schools and colleges, the store in, Glasgow’s district Barmulloch has reportedly experienced an increase in shoplifting incidents and confrontations with clients during ID checks. In response, it has introduced an automated door system fitted with ITL’s Mycheckr panel, which serves as the sole access point to the walk-in refrigerated beer area.

The recognition software allows access only to customers who are assessed as appearing over 25. Otherwise, the door remains locked. In this instance, the staff is instantly alerted via the Myconnect app. Installed on a tablet located at the till, the remote alerts and system control prompts the staff to verify the customer’s ID. Once verification is complete, the clerk can remotely unlock the door.

The store has also installed ITL’s compact Mycheckr Mini at both the till and the self-checkouts. These control the sales of age-restricted items such as tobacco, gambling-related goods and, of course, alcohol. These devices are integrated seamlessly with existing store equipment through a simple API call.

Implementation at other independent stores

In compliance with data privacy regulations, age estimation is carried out anonymously and almost instantaneously on an offline device. All images are deleted immediately after processing. Regular customers who are repeatedly misidentified as under 25 may request to have their image stored locally to enable automatic future access. All age verification data is securely logged and can be exported in case of auditing.

The devices can be integrated to existing IT infrastructure or used as a standalone solution. This versatility of this one-off cost solution resonates particularly well with independent shop keepers. Beyond this Premier store, ITL’s solutions have also been introduce at both Central and Spar convenience stores in the UK.