Japan legalizes beer, cigarette sales at self-checkout registers

Convenience stores in Japan can start selling alcohol and tobacco products through self-checkout registers immediately, as long as they’re set up for compliance with the required regulations.

Under Japanese law, a person must be at least 20 years old to purchase alcohol or tobacco.

To confirm the buyer’s age, convenience stores that want to sell such products through self-check-out will have to equip their registers with a device that can scan either the purchaser’s driver’s license or a government-issued ID card called My Number Card.

In November, the Japanese government approved new legislation allowing the use of the My Number Card for age verification in commercial applications.

The Japan Franchise Association, whose members include convenience store chains, has now completed the necessary compliance work.

According to Japan’s Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono, the self-check-out system will be an opportunity to experience the convenience of the My Number Card.