Abu Meri reveals that it can be dangerous if minors don't have Smart-ID
The Interior Minister warns that technology could become the weakest link in child protection, while Rimi cashiers are already planning to relocate to Durbe.
Interior Minister Abu Meri announced today that Smart-ID age verification should be taken very seriously, as if we were talking about nuclear reactor safety rather than whether a sixteen-year-old can buy a Red Bull. The minister emphasized that it's important to ensure that alcohol is purchased by the exact person who is identifying themselves, not their older sister with the phone.
Rimi stores have already implemented a revolutionary system that allows customers to confirm their age with Smart-ID at self-service checkouts. Statistics show that 40% of customers choose this method, which means 60% still trust the good old document-showing technique. As one Rimi consultant said: 'Now I have more time to explain why we don't have Maxima prices here.'
The minister warns that if the system starts being used dishonestly, action will follow. While Riga is still thinking about what exactly that will be, in Liepaja we already know — everyone's moving to Durbe, where in the peaceful atmosphere you can buy whatever you want just by showing your passport. There, neither Smart-ID nor other technological gardening miracles are needed.
It should be noted that on average 15-20% of all purchases require age verification, which makes you wonder — are there really that many minors trying to buy alcohol, or do our cashiers simply love asking for documents? As one experienced Liepaja store employee said: 'I can tell by looking who's underage — it's the one trying to buy an energy drink at 10 PM on a Monday.'
⚠️ Satirical article. Facts are preserved, but the presentation is humorous. For accurate information, please refer to the original source.