Alberta privacy commissioner opens investigation into ID scans at liquor stores

EDMONTON—Alberta’s privacy commissioner has opened an investigation into a liquor retailer’s decision to test ID-scanning technology at its stores.

Edmonton-based Alcanna Ltd., which runs Liquor Depot, Wine and Beyond and Nova Cannabis, says it will require customers to scan valid ID to gain entry to some of its stores.

The move was made in partnership with the Edmonton Police Service to address a growing number of thefts.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner says it first heard about the pilot project through media reports earlier this week.

It says an independent analysis of this use of the technology has not been conducted by the office.

The investigation will determine whether the use is compliant with the Personal Information Protection Act, Alberta’s private sector privacy law.

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