Convenience stores in Japan are now allowed to sell tobacco and alcohol through self-checkout by having customers scanning their ID or government-issued My Number Card, reports NACS.

Japan’s Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono announced that convenience stores that are set up for compliance with the required identification regulations can start selling tobacco alcohol through self-checkout with immediate effect.
To purchase tobacco and alcohol at the self-checkout register, customers must scan their identification or their My Number Card to prove that they are older than 20 which is the minimum age to buy tobacco or alcohol in Japan. The My Number Card is a non-mandatory government-issued ID card and can be used now that the necessary compliance work has been completed by the Japan Franchise Association whose members include convenience store chains, reports NACS.
“This will be an opportunity to experience the convenience of the My Number Card,” said Kono of the new self-checkout regulations.