Relating To Age Discrimination.
If enacted, SB1398 will change how retail businesses handle age verification processes. By implementing a 'clear and convincing standard' for determining whether a customer is of age without needing to disclose their birthdate verbally, the bill underscores the importance of privacy rights as outlined in Article I, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution. The intention behind this legislation is to reduce the potential discrimination against elderly individuals that may arise from current sales practices.
SB1398, titled 'Relating to Age Discrimination,' aims to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes by prohibiting businesses that sell age-restricted goods from requiring customers to verbally disclose their date of birth to verify their age. The bill arises from concerns that current practices infringe upon the privacy rights of elderly consumers, as they are often required to announce their age publicly in order to purchase items such as alcohol and tobacco. This bill is grounded in the principle that the policy should respect individual privacy while still ensuring compliance with age restrictions.
The sentiment around SB1398 appears to be supportive, especially among advocates for elderly rights and privacy. Supporters argue that the bill represents a necessary step toward protecting the dignity and privacy of older residents in Hawaii. However, there might also be some concern from retailers who may need to adjust their verification processes to comply with this new standard.
While the bill seems to have broad support, it does raise questions regarding implementation and compliance. Retailers might express apprehension about how to effectively enforce a policy that does not involve verbal disclosures, which may complicate cashier procedures. Furthermore, the balance between safeguarding privacy rights and ensuring that businesses adequately verify ages remains a notable point of contention.