The Verifone system helps insure valid ID's for underage patrons.

Speedy's Convenience stores in St Joseph are taking a new approach to stopping the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

They're accomplishing that by scanning the licenses.

All eight of the Speedy's locations in town are now using a new software system which is making age based sales a little easier on convenience store workers. The register system, called Verifone Topaz, allows cashiers to scan or swipe the id's to confirm their validity and the customer's birth date.

According to Speedy's vice president, Jason Rowe, the scanner only verifies the id and does not store any other information about the customer or the sale. The customer's birth date is then printed on the receipt.

Rowe says the new system is easy to use and employees are adapting to it very well. Speedy's employees also receive a bonus each time they successfully pass an alcohol or tobacco sting operation by law enforcement.