Senate committee advances bill requiring electronic age verification for off‑premises sales
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Summary
The Senate tourism committee voted to send SB234 to the floor after sponsor Senator Melson said the bill would require off‑premises retailers selling alcohol, vapes, cigarettes and similar products to use an age‑verification system as an alternative to relying on physical IDs; the committee approved the measure with a favorable report.
Senator Melson, sponsor of SB234, told the Senate tourism committee the bill “is a pretty straightforward bill” that would require off‑premises retailers selling vapes, hemp products, alcohol and cigarettes to use an age‑verification system that verifies a purchaser’s age rather than relying solely on a simple driver’s license or fake ID. The sponsor said the devices would likely cost less than $300 and described the measure as an unfunded mandate he believes is justified as “a price for safety.”
Why it matters: Melson said the change is designed to reduce underage purchases and to provide retailers with another tool beyond manual ID checks. He told members he has worked with the hospitality and convenience industries and will file a substitute to clarify language before the bill reaches the Senate floor.
During committee questioning, several senators pressed the sponsor on implementation details. An unidentified senator raised concerns about small, rural “mom and pop” stores that may lack reliable connectivity and asked what penalties would apply if a store could not use the device; Melson responded the bill does not force a retailer to use the device but offers an alternative, and he said the forthcoming substitute will address those operational issues. Another unidentified senator asked whether curbside pickup and curbside delivery — practices used by retailers such as Publix and Walmart — would require the verification device when alcohol is included in an order; Melson said he would make sure those situations are covered in the substitute.
Melson also noted non‑electronic verification options would remain available, saying a passport or a phone‑based verification could be used, and that the bill is limited to off‑site, not on‑site, consumption.
Procedural steps and vote: After discussion, a motion to adopt the committee report was made and seconded. The clerk called the roll: Senators Beasley, Bell, Hovey, Jones, Livingston, Smitherman, Stewart and Price voted Aye; Senator Singleton voted No; Senator Elliott recorded an Abstain. The committee chair announced the bill received a favorable report and Melson said he would circulate the substitute and requested members review it and offer suggestions.
What’s next: SB234 will move to the Senate floor with a favorable committee report; Melson said he will distribute a substitute for members to review prior to floor consideration.
