Asda is to pilot an automated age verification system at its self-checkouts to make it quicker and easier for customers shopping for alcohol.
Customers visiting Asda’s Pudsey and Stevenage stores can now use privacy preserving age estimation technology when purchasing alcohol, which works via a camera in the self-checkout screen to accurately estimate a customer’s age.
The initiative is part of a Home Office test to allow the trial of technologies that can assist in the requirement for age verification in the retail sale of alcohol.
The technology works by asking customers with alcohol in their basket to look at a camera to verify their age before completing their purchase. If the system detects a customer looks younger than 25, they can prove their age through the Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps.
Those who do not wish to use the digital system at the self-checkouts have the option to show their ID to an Asda staff member instead.
Running until the end of May, the trial is being carried out in partnership with checkout technology specialist NCR and digital identity network Yoti. The technology will only be used for the purchase of alcohol products for the duration of the trial.
