Award-Winning Vape Retailer Leads Industry with Advanced Age Verification Solution
Vapeology, Kent's busiest and most awarded vape store, has implemented groundbreaking AI technology to prevent underage sales, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer focused on responsible retailing.
The Ashford-based store has become one of the first UK retailers to deploy MyCheckr, an advanced biometric age estimation system that helps staff identify underage customers with remarkable accuracy whilst maintaining customer privacy and GDPR compliance.
This move comes at a critical time when youth vaping has become a significant concern. Recent data from the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) shows that approximately 18% of UK children aged between 11-17 have tried vaping, highlighting the urgent need for improved age verification processes.
"As industry leaders, we're not just talking about responsibility – we're investing in concrete solutions," says Matt Abercrombie, owner of Vapeology. "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 with flying colours, 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, Vapeology's chosen technology represents a one-time investment with no per-check charges, making advanced age verification accessible even to smaller independent retailers.
Industry experts predict that AI-powered age verification will soon become standard practice across all retailers of age-restricted products. By adopting this technology early, Vapeology demonstrates how independent retailers can lead the charge in combining innovation with social responsibility.
For more information about Vapeology's products and commitment to responsible retailing, visit https://www.vapeology.co.uk/.
About Vapeology
Located in Ashford, Kent, Vapeology is an award-winning, independent vape retailer committed to providing quality products with exceptional customer service. As Kent's busiest vape store, Vapeology combines product expertise with a firm commitment to responsible retailing and innovation.