Tennessee Requires Stores to Check ID Card Of Anyone Buying Beer

Richard Rollins, who owns a convenience store in Nashville, is already using a computerized scanner to check everyone's driver's licenses when they buy beer. "We just say we're trying to keep our beer permit, and this is the safest way," Rollins said.

But it has stopped Jeff Campbell, 43, from shopping at Rollins's market.

"I don't mind them asking for my ID, but they don't need my driver's license number," Campbell said. "I'm just buying a six-pack. All they need to know is how old I am."

Rollins said scanning licenses has proved beneficial in other ways, such as catching criminals.

When one customer tried to make a purchase using a counterfeit bill, Rollins said, police were able to track him down because the receipt from the scanner showed his name and license number -- and his address.

The law, which expires after a year unless the Legislature decides to renew it, also creates a voluntary training program for vendors and their employees. Participating businesses would face lower fines if found guilty of selling beer to a minor, and their beer permits cannot be revoked on a first offense.

However, they face maximum fines of $1,000 for each underage sale, and they lose their status if they commit two violations in a 12-month period. Another violation could mean suspension or revocation of a license, and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Noncertified vendors can face those penalties on a first offense.

Marylee Booth, executive director of the Tennessee Oil Marketers Association, which represents gas stations and convenience stores, said the intention is not to hurt vendors but to help them protect minors.