Hard Age Gate

What is a Hard Age Gate?

A Hard Age Gate is a function that restricts direct access to full product content until users are authorized by staff. By default, this function is disabled in all Buddi menus, but retailers have the option to enable it for their online menu.

When this feature is activated, users must sign up for a profile, undergo 'age verification' by staff, then sign into their verified profile to access the full menu.

Hard Age Gate is different from Soft Age Gate. The latter is required on all cannabis websites as a digital barrier. Users simply need to self-attest their age before gaining access.

NOTE: AGLC regulations previously mandated Hard Age Gates for cannabis websites based in Alberta. However, since October 13, 2023, this requirement has changed. Now, a Soft Age Gate is sufficient as a digital barrier for age verification.

Alberta retailers who still have the Hard Age Gate enabled in their online menu can disable it by following the steps below.

If your website is still running both menu versions (Full Menu + Bare Menu), please reach out to support@buddi.io for detailed instructions.

How to Disable the Hard Age Gate in the Online Menu:

1. Sign into the Admin Portal using your Admin Account.
2. Go to Store Settings > Online Menu: Configuration.
3. Select 'No Age Gate'.
4. Ensure that the 'Age-Restricted Content' feature is unchecked.
5. Hit 'Save'.

How to Enable the Hard Age Gate in the Online Menu:

1. Sign into the Admin Portal using your Admin Account.
2. Go to Store Settings > Online Menu: Configuration.
3. Select 'Hard Age Gate'.
   
4. Ensure that the 'Age-Restricted Content' feature is unchecked.
5. Hit 'Save'.
6. Add a Message to the Buddi Profile Sign in / Sign up Page.

Notes:

• With the Hard Age Gate enabled, users won't be able to see your Full Menu until they sign into an 'age-verified' profile.
• Use the 'Age Verification' feature in the Admin Portal to approve profiles and permit access.