You expect to show your ID when you buy alcohol or tobacco, but you may be surprised to learn that a growing number of everyday grocery items are now being kept under lock and key or require an ID at checkout. In Illinois, retailers have been forced to take these extra security measures to combat a rise in organized retail theft and to comply with laws designed to prevent the misuse of certain products. This new reality has added an extra, often frustrating, step to the simple act of grocery shopping.
1. Baby Formula
Due to its high cost and being a necessity for families with infants, baby formula has become one of the most frequently stolen items in a grocery store. To combat this, many Illinois retailers have started to keep their entire stock of baby formula in locked cases. To purchase it, you must find an employee to unlock the case for you. Some stores may require an ID to track bulk purchases.
2. Certain Over-the-Counter Cold Medicines
To comply with state and federal laws aimed at preventing the production of methamphetamine, any cold medicine that contains the ingredient pseudoephedrine is kept behind the pharmacy counter. In Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid, government-issued photo ID to purchase these products. The store is also required to electronically log your purchase in a real-time tracking database.
3. Spray Paint
In an effort to curb graffiti, the city of Chicago has strict laws regarding the sale of spray paint. You must be 18 years or older to purchase spray paint, and you must show a valid ID to the cashier. This law turns a simple can of spray paint for a home project into a restricted item.
4. Razor Blade Refills
High-end razor blade refill cartridges are another common target for shoplifters because they are small, expensive, and easily resellable. As a result, many grocery stores and pharmacies in Illinois now keep these products in locked plastic cases. You must take the locked case to the cashier, who will then remove the product after you have paid.
5. High-End Beauty and Skincare Products
Expensive skincare products, such as anti-aging creams and serums, are also increasingly being kept under lock and key. These items are a prime target for organized retail theft rings. This security measure is frustrating for honest customers.
6. Nail Polish Remover
Some larger bottles of nail polish remover, specifically those with a high concentration of acetone, are behind the counter. This is because acetone is a chemical that can be used in the production of illegal drugs. While it is not a statewide law, some retailers have made this decision as a loss prevention and safety measure.
7. Cooking Wine and Wine Vinegar
This can be a surprising one for many shoppers. Even though cooking wine has a very high salt content, which makes it undrinkable, it still contains alcohol. Therefore, in Illinois, you are required to show an ID to prove you are over 21 to purchase it. Some stores will even flag certain types of wine vinegar in their system to require an ID check at the register.
The New Reality of Retail
The need to show an ID to buy a simple item is a direct result of the growing problem of retail theft. While these security measures are a frustrating inconvenience for the average shopper, retailers see them as a necessary step to protect their inventory. For Illinois consumers, it is a clear sign that the era of open, trust-based retail is being replaced by a more restrictive and secure shopping experience.
Have you ever been surprised by an item that requires an ID to purchase in Illinois? What do you think of the trend of locking up everyday products? Let us know!
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