Age check in retail

Tower Systems serves many specialist retail markets. Our software is built for the detail of each one, and age checking is a good example.

We developed it many years ago to manage tobacco sales. It soon proved useful for firearms dealers and other specialty retailers selling age-restricted products and materials.

Why age checking matters

Australia and New Zealand have strict rules for selling restricted items. The legal adult age is 18.

Age restrictions apply to tobacco, firearms, ammunition, some adult publications and audio-visual products, certain medicines and more. Regulation keeps adding categories. Our age check tools work for any product with an age requirement, whatever you sell.

A single breach can seriously hurt a business, and compliance testing is increasing. In late 2025, our software helped retailers show they had strong workflows in place. Those workflows ensured staff only sold restricted products to customers who met the age requirement.

Selling to the right customers is too important to leave to chance.

How the software protects you

We built several safeguards into the software. They make it far less likely that busy or new staff break the law by accident.

You choose the products. Flag any item that needs an age check. The safeguard fits your range and the law where you trade.

The software checks the age. When a flagged item is sold, staff enter the customer’s date of birth. The software works out whether the customer is old enough.

You can record ID. A field captures identification, such as a driver licence or passport number.

Together, the age calculation and ID record reduce the risk of selling to a minor. They also help you demonstrate compliance.

Peace of mind at the counter

Age checking belongs in any serious retail software. It is one of many ways Tower Systems helps your business meet its regulatory obligations.