By Bob Katzen

Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a proposal that would prohibit customers from buying alcohol beverages in a self-checkout line at retailers and require the sale be conducted through a face-to-face transaction with a store employee over the age of 18.

“This bill is about keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Finn (D-West Springfield). “By requiring face-to-face transactions, we ensure that a trained employee checks IDs every time, closing a loophole that’s made it too easy for underage buyers to slip through at self-checkouts. It’s a commonsense step to promote public safety and responsible alcohol sales.”