JEWEL-OSCO AGE VERIFICATION HELPS FIGHT YOUTH DRINKING

MINA WILLIAMS

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (FNS) -- Point-of-sale software that prompts cashiers to ask for proof of age when specific products are scanned "uniquely positioned" Jewel-Osco here for participation in a public service campaign designed to combat underage drinking, according to spokeswoman Karen Ramos.

The age verification function prompts cashiers to ask customers who appear to be under 30 years old for their drivers' license when any liquor or tobacco item is scanned. The software freezes the transaction until the cashier enters the customer's date of birth into the register. If the customer is old enough to purchase the product the POS allows scanning to continue.

"We take our responsibility seriously," said Ramos. "In busy situations especially, the technology forces the checkers to take another look at customers to determine if they are able to make the purchase. As a result errors are minimized."

Late last year the Illinois Liquor Control Commission awarded Jewel for its software system and employee training program. These efforts further positioned Jewel-Osco as a partner for the current public service campaign, conducted in cooperation with the Commission and the Chicago Wolves, a local International Hockey League ice hockey team.

Throughout the public service campaign 35,000 posters featuring Wolves goaltender Wendell Young and incorporating the "Underage Drinking is Like Skating on Thin Ice" tagline were distributed. More than 5,000 of the posters were given to Chicago Public School students, 5,000 posters were also given out at a Wolves game. Jewel-Osco units further served as a distribution site for the posters.

"We are pleased to partner with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and the Chicago Wolves on this important initiative," said Ertharin Cousin Moore, Jewel-Osco's vice president, government and community affairs. "We hope many young people pick up a poster and follow Wendell Young's message."

Jewel customized its POS system, from IBM, Armonk, N.Y., to add the age verification function.