The BARS Program Blog

Beginning September 30 th , retailers must ask for ID of anyone under 30 purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products. Previously, the age for requiring ID was 27. The minimum age for purchasing Tobacco and E-Cigarettes is still 21. This is an important change for retailers to pay attention to, a link to the new FDA rule is below. Federal Register :: Prohibition of Sale of Tobacco Products to Persons Younger Than 21 Years of Age... Read More

With new Nicotine Products coming to market, Retailers have an expanding number of stock keeping units (SKU s) that require asking for ID. In both the U.S. and Canada, The BARS Program offers Nicotine Pouch and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Visits for their Customers. Nicotine Visits are one of the Visit Types that Customers can choose from each month, along with the traditional Visit Types--Alcohol, Tobacco, E-Cig/Vape and Lottery. The growth of the Nicotine Product... Read More

As a responsible retailer, ensuring that your Store Associates consistently adhere to ID-checking protocols when selling age-sensitive products is paramount. Failing to comply with regulations not only costs money with a fine, but also legal fees for a hearing or licensing issues. The BARS Program has a long history of helping Retailers keep their money—because BARS Customers don t fail stings! Our in-store Compliance Shop service is designed to reinforce Store Associates use the POS... Read More

At The BARS Program, we understand the importance of ensuring Store Associates ask for ID when selling Alcohol, Tobacco and Vape Products. That's why we're reaching out to highlight our in-store Compliance Shop service. Our Green and Red Card system instantly reminds Store Associates about asking for ID properly. This ensures staff is following Carding Policy. Here are some key details about our program: Proven Expertise: With 28 years of experience, The BARS Program is... Read More

In today s ever-evolving marketplace, the path to success often involves collaborative partnerships that bring together expertise, knowledge, and resources. At The BARS Program, we understand the significance of such partnerships, and we take pride in joining forces with industry leaders like ServSafe Alcohol and We Card. Together, we strive to ensure that businesses remain compliant with the ever-changing rules and regulations surrounding the sale of tobacco and alcohol. Our Trusted Partners: We Card and... Read More

As smartphone technology continues to advance, traditional ways of life are being altered, including the use of identification. In fact, nearly a quarter of all US states now allow digital proof of identity, age, and address wherever physical driver licenses and other state-issued IDs are required. This means that retail customers are increasingly accepting digital IDs as a form of identification to purchase alcohol or tobacco. As of 2023, less than 3% of businesses still... Read More

Monthly metrics are made easy with The BARS Program s password-protected reporting site . Each confidential report allows management team members to view the outcome of each BARS Checker visit in near real time. Reports include Red/Green Card results; location, date and time of the visit; employee name and number. Name and age of the BARS Checker who conducted the visit is also listed. All reports are shareable among specified management team members within your... Read More