UPDATE: Budgens grocery store has just announced the implementation of AI facial recognition technology to prevent customers banned for alcohol-related behavior from making purchases. This urgent move follows a licensing approval granted on November 11, 2023, after initial refusal over concerns of anti-social behavior in the Chatham area.
The new store, located at the Chatham Waterfront development, aims to address local fears linked to street drinking and crime. Budgens will utilize the AI system known as Facewatch, which identifies banned individuals by comparing their faces to a private database. Staff will be alerted immediately if a match is detected, preventing service to these individuals.
According to Nick Semper, managing director of The Licensing Guys, the project is part of a broader regeneration initiative in Chatham, an area previously identified as problematic. Semper stated, “We don’t disagree that the area is challenged, but the granting of this license would be unlikely to add to the cumulative impact already experienced in the area.”
Initially proposed alcohol sale hours were from 9 AM to 11 PM, but under new conditions, sales will now be limited to 9 AM to 9 PM. Additional restrictions include limiting beer and cider strength to a maximum of 5.5% ABV and prohibiting single-can sales.
Despite these measures, objections from Kent Police and Medway Council’s public health team remain. PC Carrie Knight expressed concerns about the potential for increased alcohol-related issues, stating, “Chatham is one of the most deprived areas of Medway and suffers from an unacceptably high level of alcohol-related crimes.”
The licensing panel has outlined additional conditions to further mitigate risks, including mandatory training for staff on alcohol sales and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system integrated with the Facewatch software. This technology has reportedly “drastically reduced” incidents in other Budgens stores across the UK.
As the new Budgens store prepares to open, the community is watching closely. This initiative reflects a significant shift in how retailers are addressing alcohol-related issues, blending technology with community safety measures. The store’s approach could serve as a model for other businesses in similar urban environments struggling with alcohol-related challenges.
With the retail landscape rapidly evolving, Budgens’ commitment to using AI for public safety is a developing story that could reshape the way grocery stores interact with their communities. Stakeholders are eager to see if this model will effectively reduce alcohol-related crime and enhance the shopping experience for responsible customers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent development as Budgens moves forward with its innovative approach to retail safety.
