Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services to Pilot Mobile IDs for Age Verification Starting with Feb. 5 Launch Event at Bethesda Retail Store
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will begin accepting mobile IDs at its Westbard retail store, making it the first government-run alcohol distribution system in the region to accept mobile IDs for age verification when purchasing alcohol. Following the pilot program, ABS may expand this initiative to all its 27 retail stores.
ABS and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will hold a kick-off event at the newly renovated and rebranded Westbard Oak Barrel & Vine store at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The Westbard Oak Barrel & Vine retail store is located at 5390 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda.
ABS Director Kathie Durbin and MVA Administrator Christine Nizer will attend the event. Officials will demonstrate the mobile app, Mobile ID Check by MD, and retail personnel will serve the first customer to use a Maryland mobile ID for age verification to purchase alcohol at an ABS location.
“This collaboration between ABS and MVA shows how technology can improve convenience and security for our residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By accepting mobile IDs, we’re providing a modern solution that simplifies transactions, enhances privacy and prevents fraud. I’m pleased to see Montgomery County leading the way with innovations that benefit our community.”
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The demonstration and first customer ID scan will occur inside the Oak Barrel & Vine store at the Westbard Square shopping center. Attendees will be the first to experience the newly renovated and rebranded store.
“Customers will appreciate the convenience of conducting the entire transaction, including the ID check, on their cellphone,” said ABS Director Durbin. “It is more than convenience, though. The Mobile ID Check adds another layer of authentication, giving us one more tool to keep alcohol away from those who are under 21. It helps us keep our community safe.”
The MVA offers mobile identification to all Maryland residents through its Maryland Mobile ID program, which is available in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Since its launch in 2022, more than 250,000 Marylanders have added their Maryland driver’s license or state ID to their phones. In addition to ABS retail stores, Maryland Mobile ID is accepted at several TSA security checkpoints nationwide and select restaurants at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
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“The MVA is proud to partner with Montgomery County to deploy this innovative government solution that allows customers to simply prove they’re over 21—while not disclosing their personal data unnecessarily,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Nizer. “Built on international standards and interoperable among states and other countries, the mobile ID is the next step forward in a digital world that offers better privacy protection of your identity.”
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The MVA recently unveiled its free app, Mobile ID Check by MD. This app offers a secure and convenient way for businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards for in-person age verification—all on their mobile device without the need for additional hardware. To learn more about the app, vist the MVA’s website .
ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X .
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) provides the residents of Maryland with a wide range of driver licensing and vehicle services in addition to promoting driver safety initiatives and educational outreach programs. The MVA operates 24 full and limited-service branches throughout Maryland to ensure driver licensing, vehicle registration, and numerous other services. For more visit www.MVA.maryland.gov.
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Release ID: 25-048
Media Contact: Jocelyn Rawat for ABS 202-604-7289, John Lazarou for MVA 410-768-7473
Categories: ABS
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46489