FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1009

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

Mechanical self-checkout systems used in grocery stores and by other retailers enable customers to complete retail transactions through integrated, automated scanning devices and payment systems. Such systems allow an unassisted customer to use a machine to scan the price of the item being purchased and then complete the transaction by credit card or cash via an automated payment device. Such systems are generally monitored by store personnel so as to enable customer assistance in the event a customer experiences difficulties with the system or a problem arises during the course of the transaction. In addition, many retailers either have employees to monitor transactions involving alcoholic beverages and/or automated systems to signal the attempted purchase of an alcoholic beverage. In such instances, the employee has the opportunity to approach the customer to verify that the customer has the identification necessary to show that he or she is of the legal age to purchase alcohol.

Grocery stores and other retailers engaged in the package sale of alcoholic beverages must comply with licensing requirements established by statute and administrative rule and are subject to regulation by the Liquor Control Board. Such licensees must have systems in place to ensure that minors do not purchase alcoholic beverages and may be subject to regulatory sanctions in the event of an unlawful sale to a minor. In every retail sale of an alcoholic beverage, an employee of the retailer must check the identification of the purchaser to ensure that the purchaser is at least 21 years of age. However, Washington has no statutes or administrative rules specifically governing the use or design of automated, self-checkout systems.

Summary:

Retailers may sell liquor through the use of self-checkout registers provided the following requirements are met:

the self-checkout register must be programmed to halt any transaction involving the sale of liquor;
an employee must then intervene in the transaction and verify that the purchaser has identification legally sufficient to prove that he/she is at least 21 years of age; and
if the purchaser cannot provide proper identification satisfying the age requirement, then the purchase must be refused and the transaction voided.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	92	0
Senate	48	0