An industry group has created new guidelines so that self-checkouts at convenience stores can use digital technology to verify their age and sell alcohol and cigarettes.
Convenience stores are promoting the introduction of self-checkouts, but as a general rule self-checkouts do not sell alcohol or cigarettes, as there are no age verification standards to prevent drinking and smoking under the age of 20.
Under these circumstances, the Japan Franchise Association, an organization that includes convenience store chains, has created new guidelines that show age verification methods using digital technology and announced them on the 31st.
The guidelines stipulate that information that can prove that the purchaser is 20 years old or older must include the date of birth, etc., and must be able to confirm on the spot that the person who presented the information is the person himself/herself.
On top of that, as a specific example of appropriate age verification, there is a method of reading certificates such as My Number cards and driver's licenses with a dedicated terminal at the store, and a method of registering a face photo and personal information in advance at the store and checking the face at the time of shopping. The method of confirming by authentication, and the method of using a smartphone equipped with the My Number Card function, which is scheduled to be put into practical use, are listed.
This guideline has also been judged to be appropriate by the working group of the government's Digital Temporary Administrative Investigation Committee.
Convenience store companies are planning to start full-scale consideration for the introduction of the service, such as conducting demonstration experiments based on these guidelines.