Plaid Pantry CEO supports SB 1005 for age verification clarity in Oregon

During a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, discussions centered on the need for clearer age verification processes for retailers selling age-restricted products. The conversation highlighted the complexities retailers face in complying with various state and federal regulations regarding age verification.

Jonathan Polonsky, CEO of Plaid Pantry, which operates 104 stores across Oregon, testified in support of Senate Bill 1005. He emphasized the importance of having a consistent standard for verifying the age of customers purchasing items like alcohol and tobacco. Currently, Oregon law requires retailers to verify the age of anyone under 26 for alcohol purchases and under 30 for tobacco, which can create confusion for businesses trying to comply with multiple regulations.

Polonsky shared a concerning incident where a robbery occurred at one of his stores, illustrating the challenges of verifying customer identities. He noted that while Plaid Pantry uses ID scanning technology to ensure compliance, the system does not store customer information, focusing solely on validating the authenticity of IDs. This approach has helped the company maintain a high compliance rate, although they observed a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for streamlined regulations that support retailers while ensuring public safety. As lawmakers consider the implications of SB 1005, the outcomes could significantly impact how businesses operate and protect themselves against fraud and theft.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about balancing regulatory requirements with the practical needs of businesses, aiming to foster a safer shopping environment for all Oregonians. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these discussions translate into actionable policies that benefit both retailers and consumers.