If you sell alcohol in Texas, a significant change is coming your way.
Starting September 1, 2025, Texas SB650 will require many retailers to electronically verify the age of any customer purchasing alcohol for off-premises consumption.
This primary affects liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and delivery services and requires that they use an electronic ID scanner, not just a visual check, to verify someone is 21 or older if they appear under 30.
Why This Law Matters
This law is in place to reduce underage alcohol sales by moving away from manual ID checks that are prone to human error. The electronic ID scans, on the other hand, are automated and a more reliable method of age verification.
Even if a fake ID is scanned and passed, the business now has a legal defense, but only if they used an approved scanning device.
One key issue remains unclear: How long do businesses need to store scanned ID data to prove compliance?
That’s a question that’s yet to get answered as the law doesn’t specify data retention rules.
It’s likely that you’ll have to keep records to demonstrate IDs were properly scanned, especially if questioned by regulators if there’s ever an investigation.
Who’s Affected
This new Texas law applies to in-person retail alcohol sales for off-premise consumption which typically means liquor stores, convenience stores, and grocery stores serving beer and wine, especially for individuals who look under the age of 30.
However, there are a few expectations:
- Low-volume sellers could be exempt
- Credit card transactions that also verify age electronically can qualify under certain circumstances.
Nonetheless, most sellers will need to scan IDs to stay compliant.
What happens if businesses don’t comply?
Penalties aren’t finalized, but failure to comply could lead to fines, penalties, suspensions, and in the worst case scenario, closures.
Any and all of these consequences can put the future of any business in jeopardy.
How to Stay Ahead
Investing in an ID scanner that meets Texas’s law requirements is the best way to protect your business.
We recommend our stationary scanners for most retail operations as they provide high-speed, high-volume performance and can store between 70,000 and 250,000 scans.
If you want extra peace of mind about your operations, we suggest adding our Barcode Detective 2, which features enhanced fake ID detection and customizable storage settings.
Don’t wait until the last minute to ensure your business is compliant. Protect yourself now by exploring our ID scanners.
Contact us today with any questions.
Legal Disclaimer: we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Readers are urged to consult local legal experts regarding the implications of this new law.