MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Pretty soon heading to the store to pick up that six-pack of beer could be a bit more of a hassle.
State lawmakers are considering an idea that would make it against the law to buy booze at the self checkout line. The idea is aimed at cracking down on underage drinking.
If the bill passes, businesses would have to post signs telling customers about the law. Those businesses would also pay fines for breaking the new law.
The problem begins where the shopping ends. Crafty kids and mischievous minors have ample opportunity to score booze through self checkout lines.
When you scan an alcoholic beverage at a self checkout kiosk, it flags an attendant to check an ID. But there are loopholes; a minor can ring up a 12 pack of Sprite, but bag a 12 pack of Coors Light.
“I have not heard that before. That's clever. It is clever. It's illegal but it is clever,” said shopper James Smith.
That's why state lawmakers want to do away with buying beer at self checkout machines. Katie Nagel supports the idea. “I think they should because kids would do that and it's making the world more reckless making that available for them.”
Others say the bill is a complete waste of time.
“There's already laws in place saying you have to be a certain age to purchase alcohol, if the store monitors the law and obeys the law that's already in place there is no problem,” Donald Moore said.
The restriction would only apply to customers under 21. Businesses could be hit with misdemeanor charges for allowing minors to purchase beer at self checkouts.
They would also have to keep the law-breaking booze buyers in custody until cops arrive.
If the bill passes, a minor who tries to buy beer through a self check out faces at worst, 30 days in jail, or a fine no greater than $50.
