Internet alcohol sales too easy for minors?

Minors trying to purchase alcohol at retail stores is nothing new.

But buying it over the internet? That’s something a little different, and perhaps a lot easier to get away with.

UNC researchers are conducting a study to find out just how easy buying booze on the net actually is. On some sites, it’s as simple as the click of a mouse.

Showing your ID is pretty standard when you buy beer at the store, but can be avoided on the web.

A 2006 national survey indicated more than 500,000 minors have bought alcohol online.

Alcohol law enforcement officers say catching minors in the store is something they’re used to, but on the web, it’s a bit more difficult.

University of North Carolina researchers received a $400,000 grant to find out more about underage alcohol purchases over the internet.

The study is in the preliminary stages, but researchers say they hope to strengthen the age verification systems for products sold over the internet. The same group did a similar study on illegal cigarette sales. It helped put a major dent in online sales to minors.

The current study is focusing on 100 websites that sell beer, wine, and liquor. Certain sites, they say, only require the click of a button to confirm the buyer is at least 21.

Minors have another hurdle to cross when the alcohol is delivered.

One delivery man, Matt Carpenter, explained, “We have to have the signature of someone 21 or older. We have to check the id, if not, we can’t leave the package.”

Avoiding sales tax and variations of laws in other states and countries may also be contributing to the growth of online alcohol sales.

The UNC study will involve 18 to 20 year olds that will be under academic and legal supervision while they attempt to buy beer, wine, and liquor over the internet.

They will also be given immunity by prosecutors, so they don’t get in trouble. The actual click of the button, submitting the alcohol order to be processed, will be done by someone at least 21, to assure the students are not breaking the law.

UNC researchers said they hope to have results of the study later this year.