Kent vape store installs AI age verification solution

Vapeology, a vape store in Ashford, Kent, has deployed MyCheckr, an advanced biometric age estimation system that helps staff identify underage customers with remarkable accuracy, whilst maintaining customer privacy and GDPR compliance.

Matt Abercrombie, owner of Vapeology, said the move responds to the concerns around youth vaping.

“As industry leaders, we’re not just talking about responsibility – we’re investing in concrete solutions,” Abercrombie said. “Small businesses like ours are often the backbone of retail innovation. This AI technology isn’t just about compliance; it’s about setting the standard for what responsible vape retail should look like in 2025 and beyond.”

The MyCheckr system has been independently certified to accurately estimate age within 0.2 years on average, making it significantly more reliable than human estimation alone. The technology performs anonymous age checks without storing personal data, addressing both security and privacy concerns.

Vapeology’s commitment to responsible retailing was recently validated when the store passed a secret shopper test conducted by the UK Vaping Industry Association, demonstrating that their multi-layered approach to age verification is working effectively.

The implementation represents a significant investment for an independent retailer, but one that Abercrombie believes is essential: “In a crowded marketplace, what sets retailers apart isn’t just product selection – it’s how seriously we take our responsibility to the community. This technology helps our staff make confident decisions and creates a safer environment for everyone.”

Unlike many solutions that require ongoing subscription fees, Abercrombie noted that their chosen technology represents a one-time investment with no per-check charges, making advanced age verification accessible even to smaller independent retailers.