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Tasting room seeks automated wine‑pour system; board questions biometric data and controls
Summary
Applicant for Double Barrel tasting room proposed a Napa Technology automated wine‑pour station with PIN/RFID activation and optional CLEAR facial verification; commissioners raised questions about where biometric data is stored and how pour limits and sanitation are managed.
Ashley Retino, the applicant for a proposed Double Barrel tasting room at 73 West Main Street in Westminster, told the Carroll County Liquor Board she plans to use an automated wine‑pour system from Napa Technology that uses pre‑programmed pour sizes and an RFID or PIN activation flow.
Desiree, the Napa Technology representative, described one‑stage and two‑stage verification. In the single‑stage flow a hostess checks ID and issues a PIN or RFID card that allows a guest up to a programmed number of pours during a visit; in the two‑stage flow the guest scans a QR code and uses CLEAR integrations to perform a facial scan that Napa’s portal and CLEAR’s servers validate. Desiree explained portions are controlled, the system can be programmed to limit pours per visit (for example three 5–6 oz pours), and the dispenser uses argon gas in sealed capsules to avoid traditional line cleaning.
Board members asked where facial scans and associated identity data are stored and who is responsible for that data. Desiree confirmed the verification flows involve Napa Technology’s portal and CLEAR’s servers, and that the vendor can customize data retention and onboarding flows to conform with county rules. Commissioners asked about health‑department requirements for cleaning/maintenance, whether state licensing or additional permits are necessary for automated pouring, and whether customers can buy single glasses or only use the automated stations; presenters said bottle sales for off‑premises use could be offered but glasses require the automated activation and that the state does not require an additional license specifically for automatic pouring systems.
The board accepted the presentation and told the applicant the license application will be placed on the agenda next month; staff requested the applicant provide technical literature and contact information for the vendor and for any third‑party identity providers. Commissioners flagged privacy and data‑retention issues for follow‑up with counsel and suggested the applicant prepare written protocols for ID verification, handling of customers who refuse biometric scans, and procedures for manual overrides.
No action was taken at the meeting; the application is scheduled for a licensing hearing in the next monthly meeting.
