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Joe Cook, Alcanna’s vice president of business ventures, said on Tuesday a fourth store is ready to have an ID scanner installed but the company is waiting for the privacy investigation results.

“The big thing that’s been hanging over our heads has been a ruling from them, which has been long overdue,” he said. “We can basically pilot only half of the program. The scanners have really helped us at those three locations. (The scanners) have already been approved for use in bars and restaurants and the data collection isn’t exactly what they’re collecting. The use and collection of (data) is very minimal.”

According to the company, Ace Liquor had 68 thefts from October to December but after the scanner was activated in January, from January to March, there were a total of 25 thefts. As of April 13, there have been no reported thefts at that store.

At the Liquor Depot at 137 Avenue there were 90 thefts from October and December and 23 thefts from January to March. The store has had only one theft as of April 13.

According to Edmonton police, officers responded to more than 9,500 liquor store thefts in 2019. That averages out to be about 26 a day, triple the rate compared to 3,273 in 2018.

Cook said the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t impacted the number of thefts. He said there hasn’t been an issue with people needing to physical distance at these stores.

Scott Sibbald, communications manager for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), said the investigation is ongoing and a public report may be issued once finalized.

An investigation can range from 12 months or more.

Sibbald said the OIPC remains open as an essential service with most staff transitioning to work from home.

jlabine@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/jefflabine