Tennessee is set to become the first state in the nation to require proof of age from anyone, no matter the age, who buys beer for off-premises consumption.
The Tennessee Responsible Vendor Act, designed to curb underage drinking, takes effect July 1. It will expire after one year to give lawmakers and vendors a chance to review its effectiveness. The legislation does not apply to the sale of wine and liquor purchases or to beer sales at restaurants and bars.
[Via The Tennessean]
I work for a grocery chain that has stors in several states in the east. They started doing this quite some time ago. I understand that it has been common practice at convience stores in the midwest for a couple of years now as well.
While the singling out of beer makes absolutely no sense, I don’t understand the “burden” of providing a driver’s license (or other ID) at the checkout. Your wallet/purse is open to get the cash/credit to pay. Flash your ID and be on your way.
However, this added gem makes NO sense:
“Along with mandatory carding, the new law establishes a voluntary Responsible Vendor Program in which retailers who have their clerks undergo a training course will face lesser penalties for underage sales than nonparticipating vendors.”
Why do retailers who’ve attended (paid for?) a training course, and should therefore be the most prepared, face le$$er penaltie$ for an offense?