Since 1982, Advance Alarms has been a trusted name in security across Oklahoma and surrounding states. What began as a small, family-run business has grown into a respected provider of intrusion, fire, and surveillance systems, backed by local 24/7 monitoring and hands-on service. Their ability to respond quickly, customize solutions, and build long-term client relationships has made them the security partner of choice for some of the region’s largest businesses—including one of the biggest fuel and retail chains in the U.S. When that client realized they were losing millions to liquor theft, Advance Alarms was the first call.
With over 1,200 locations across the Southern U.S., this major fuel and retail chain was facing a persistent and costly problem: liquor theft. In some locations, traditional security measures like cameras and employee monitoring weren’t deterring thieves—and in many cases, were putting staff in uncomfortable and even risky situations.
“We were hearing from store managers about how often staff had to step in and confront theft,” said Clint Morrison, Vice President at Advance Alarms. “It wasn’t safe, and it wasn’t effective. They needed a smarter solution, and that’s when we thought about implementing an identity verification access control system.”
At the time, Advance Alarms didn’t offer identity based access control as part of their solution portfolio. They needed a partner that could work with them to create a right-fit solution for the client. That’s when Clint came across Patronscan in a news article.
Patronscan, a leader in ID verification and access control, had built its reputation helping retailers and hospitality venues manage access at the door with their proprietary software and ID scanning systems. Clint saw potential for something new: using Patronscan’s technology to control access not to the stores, but to the liquor coolers.
He connected with Jason, Vice President of Growth at Patronscan, and the two teams got to work.
“We loved the challenge,” said Jason. “It wasn’t a traditional use case, but we saw the opportunity. If we could apply age verification and ID scanning to venues, we could do it at the product level to help stores take control of their highest-risk items.”
Together, the two teams designed a system where customers scan their ID at a kiosk mounted near the liquor coolers. Once verified, they select which cooler door to unlock from a touchscreen interface. A green light illuminates above the chosen door, unlocking it so the customer can grab their items and go.
Advance Alarms handled the on-site installation, retrofitting cooler doors with locking mechanisms and tying them into Patronscan’s hardware and software. It was a true collaboration—one that required both technical customization and on-the-ground experience.
“What sets this system apart is how it blends physical security with data-driven deterrence,” says Jason.
By scanning a government-issued ID, the system instantly verifies age and checks for authenticity using forensic-level scanning, helping to detect fake IDs in real time. It also temporarily holds a record of who accessed the cooler, adding a layer of accountability and traceability that traditional security systems lack.
“We’re not storing personal data long-term, but we are holding just enough to know when and where an ID was scanned,” says Jason. “That’s often enough to deter bad behavior and give store teams the information they need if something goes wrong.”
And perhaps just as importantly, it prevents the kind of quick, opportunistic thefts that are so hard to catch after the fact.
“We’ve essentially removed the open invitation,” he adds. “If you can’t just walk up and open the door, you’ve already stopped a huge percentage of theft.”
The system also reduces the need for staff to ID customers manually or intervene in tense situations, making stores safer for both employees and patrons.
The initial pilot launched in nine locations. Within weeks, stores reported an estimated 95% reduction in liquor theft. While there was a short-term dip in sales as customers adjusted to the new system, those numbers quickly rebounded, now with the added benefit of virtually no product loss.
The system was soon expanded to more locations. After being vetted and approved by the client’s IT and compliance teams, it became an approved solution for franchises across the country. Today, more than 100 locations have adopted the system, with more rolling out in markets facing high levels of shrink.
The estimated annual loss across the chain from liquor theft was well into the millions. This solution is helping to dramatically reduce that number.
For Advance Alarms, working with Patronscan has created new business opportunities and helped them bring more value to long-standing clients.
“Teaming up with Patronscan allowed us to evolve our offering,” said Clint. “Together, our security solutions are solving real business problems, reducing risk, and keeping people safe.”
Jason agrees. “Clint and his team brought the idea to life. They understand the client, they know the space, and they aren't afraid to think differently. Our business relationship has grown into a true partnership.”
As adoption continues to grow, the collaboration between Advance Alarms and Patronscan stands as a model for what’s possible when technology providers and service partners come together to build something that works.