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Since 1997 · 7,500,000+ checks

Aggregate outcomes from 30 years of checks

These are the program-level numbers behind the claim that BARS clients don't fail stings. Drawn from more than 7,500,000 compliance checks for over 500 retail customers since 1997, updated annually.

Pass rate climbs to 95% within a year

New clients typically begin at a 55 to 75% baseline, depending on industry and prior training. The median client reaches 85% within six months and the 95% threshold within twelve.

Updated June 2026

Median client pass rate over time

From baseline to the 95% standard

50%75%95% THRESHOLD55–75%85%95%Program start6 months12 months

The climb is predictable because the procedure is. It has not changed since 1997. Clients who hold 95% on monthly BARS checks cut failed government stings by up to 99%.

Failed stings fall to near zero

A BARS check is the rehearsal. The government sting is the exam. Once a client holds the 95% threshold for two consecutive months, failed government stings drop sharply, across agencies, states, and visit types.

Reduction in failed stings

Up to99%

Once the 95% threshold is held for two consecutive months.

What triggers it

Holding the 95% BARS-measured threshold for two consecutive months.

Average client pass rate

94% on government enforcement stings, measured across program data since 1997.

Where it holds

Across multiple regulator agencies, multiple states, and multiple BARS visit-type categories.

Programs that last decades

The clearest signal that the measurement works is that operators keep it running, year after year.

about 95%
customer retention
Among notable national brands, BARS retains nearly every client it earns.
20+ yrs
continuous programs
Several client programs have run without interruption for more than two decades.

The scale behind the numbers

7,500,000+
compliance checks completed
Every one run on the same procedures since 1997.
500+
retail customers
Convenience, grocery, liquor, restaurant, and manufacturer partners.
~40,000
checks a month
Every store location our clients run, serviced on the same schedule.
5
visit-type categories
Alcohol, tobacco, vape, nicotine pouches, and lottery.

Common questions

Is the aggregate data set available for research?
The figures on this page are program-level aggregates. Client-identifiable data is confidential and never shared. For academic or industry research, contact us and we can discuss what de-identified aggregates may be appropriate to provide.
How often is this page updated?
Annually. The aggregates are recalculated once a year across the full set of shops and locations, and the "updated" stamp reflects the most recent recalculation.

See it for yourself

Put your stores on this curve.

A 30-minute demo walks your team through a real sample report and the path from your current baseline to the 95% standard. No pressure, no preset deck.