Walmart‘s Alcohol Policy in 2024: What You Need to Know
With over 5,000 retail locations across the United States, Walmart is the largest seller of beer and wine in the country. However, being a responsible alcohol retailer means adhering to strict regulations. Here is an in-depth look at Walmart’s alcohol policies for 2024.
Walmart Cards All Customers Who Look Under 40
Walmart employees are instructed to ID any customers attempting to purchase alcohol who look under the age of 40. This significantly exceeds the legal requirement in most states to verify age for anyone under 30.
By carding customers who appear under 40 years old, Walmart aims to prevent underage sales and promote responsible alcohol consumption. This prudent policy shows Walmart’s commitment to public safety.
Self-Checkout Alcohol Purchases Require ID Verification
Walmart currently allows alcohol sales via self-checkout registers in 42 states. However, customers must still have their identification electronically verified by a store employee before the transaction can be completed.
The in-store technology alerts attendants whenever an age-restricted item like alcohol is scanned at self-checkout. After visually checking the customer’s ID, staff can authorize the sale via a tablet or console connected to the self-checkout kiosk.
This enables customer convenience while also upholding legal obligations and corporate policies around age verification. It is an ingenious use of technology to seamlessly facilitate alcohol purchases without compromising safety.
Statistics on Underage Drinking in America
Underage drinking remains an ongoing public health concern according to data from the CDC:
- About 1 in 10 alcohol sales involve underage buyers
- Nearly 8 million Americans between 12-20 years old report drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips”
- Underage drinkers consume 11% of all alcohol nationwide, including 16% of spirits and 26% of alcopops
| Age Group | Past-Month Alcohol Use | Binge Drinking |
|---|---|---|
| 12-14 years old | 4.6% | 1.4% |
| 15-17 years old | 16.5% | 5.1% |
| 18-20 years old | 50.6% | 32.4% |
Walmart’s stringent proof-of-age policies for alcohol purchases aim to curb these high rates of underage access and unsafe drinking behaviors.
As A Retail Analyst, Here Is My Take On Walmart‘s Alcohol Policy
In my professional opinion, Walmart strikes the right balance between customer convenience, regulatory compliance, and social responsibility with its alcohol policies.
The retailer makes use of technology like automated age-verification and barcode scanners to allow self-checkout alcohol sales where legally permitted. This meets customer demand for fast checkout options.
However, Walmart does not hesitate to go above and beyond the legal minimum age requirements by, for instance, checking the ID of any customer who appears under 40. As America‘s top alcohol seller, Walmart sets an example of how to be a conscientious retailer.
These prudent policies promote public health while still meeting customer needs – the hallmark of a responsible business. Walmart‘s alcohol policies should be the model for other major retailers.
The Bottom Line
Walmart takes its social obligation as an alcohol retailer seriously by enforcing age restrictions and refusing sales to intoxicated individuals. However, responsible customers of legal drinking age can readily purchase beer, wine, and spirits for off-site consumption at Walmart locations.
Understanding Walmart’s alcohol policies helps ensure a smooth checkout experience. Just have your valid photo ID ready when purchasing age-restricted products. With proactive policies in place, Walmart maintains the delicate balance between convenience, compliance, and conscientious retailing.
