⊳ Downtown Spirits utilizes Just Walk Out technology , which uses advanced AI , sensors , computer vision and RFID to track item selections and automatically charge shoppers as they exit the store .
staff for security ,” he says . “ But since then , we ’ ve migrated to where we are now with over 20 cameras , some of them with facial recognition capabilities . We also have better inventory tracking capabilities .”
Downtown Spirits and Esquin Wine & Spirits ’ Warren has also installed security technology in his stores .
“ Currently , we use multiple levels of security ,” he says . “ We use a layered approach with technology that allows us to monitor our stores and limit access . This includes a camera system that provides after-hours monitoring , an alarm system and access control pin pads to limit access to staff-only areas , including our back of house .”
KEEPING MERCHANDISE LOCKED AWAY
Another affordable way of keeping merchandise safe is to install lock systems , which is something that both on- and off-premise beverage alcohol retailers can add .
A golf club course in Ohio recently updated the lock systems for all their wine and beverage coolers in the restaurant and outside patio area . One of the locks was missing from a wooden wine cabinet , and the manager had misplaced the key for another wine cooler .
“ The third cooler was outside at the bar patio ,” explains Bryman ’ s Locksmith owner Bryan Runk and the one who fixed the golf club ’ s locks . “ The manager wanted a cooler lock hasp installed so the drinks inside could be stored securely when the bar is closed . Once the hasp was installed , we added a keyed padlock to ensure limited access to the cooler .”
If you don ’ t have enough space behind the counter , locked glass cases are another great way to keep your more expensive and rare merchandise safe from shoplifters .
Downtown Spirits boasts a variety of different security components to help prevent shoplifting .
These types of camera systems can help beverage alcohol retailers stop theft before it happens or easily find a person of interest .
Due to an increase in theft over time , Marberger has installed some of these cameras with facial recognition features in his store .
“ Going back to the early 1990 ’ s , we relied 100 % on our
ADDITIONAL SECURITY MEASURES
While we discussed the main security concerns beverage alcohol retailers may face , there are also smaller concerns that , while not as big of a threat , are still critical to address .
Business liability insurance should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure you are properly covered . Like everyone else , beverage retailers tend to look at insurance as a necessary evil . They often only review it when it is time to renew , if at all . And then they typically only focus on the price changes of the policy .
Managers should also document and review security incidents when they occur . Problems cannot be adequately addressed unless there is some basis for analysis .
“ Having a documented plan-of-action in place for dealing with security concerns is a must ,” advises Warren . “ This is because your team ’ s ability to disrupt shoplifters in their tracks is the best way to keep your merchandise from walking out the front door . The technology that you can overlay is helpful , but nothing will replace good old-fashioned staff awareness .”•
18 Beverage Dynamics • Spring 2025 www . beveragedynamics . com