Fingerprint technology helps keep out under-age customers

OK ID's unit

A high-tech fingerprint scanner is helping to tackle underage drinking. Staff at Bargain Booze in Chorley, Lancashire, use biometric fingerprint scanners to prevent youngsters from buying booze.

Since August off-licence owner Chris Bury has used the scanners at his off-licences, building a database of around 400 customers who have all voluntarily signed up for the scheme.  He says the system has dramatically reduced abuse and violence against employees.

"It's been extremely successful and it's not only helped with cracking down on underage drinking," he said. "The abuse has gone down a lot and there's not been any swearing or aggressive behaviour against my staff, for example, when someone who doesn't look old enough has forgotten their ID.

"One of the main advantages is that people only have to show their ID once and after that all they need is their fingerprint. It's completely confidential and there's no name or address associated to the fingerprint, so we don't need to store personal information." Once a member of staff checks a valid form of ID - such as a passport or driving licence - the fingerprint will be added to a database so they can be identified in future when they try to buy alcohol or cigarettes.

The system is supplied by OK ID.  Visit their website here: http://www.okid.co.uk/

Read the rest of this item from the Chorley Guardian here