Americans don’t need to show photo identification to cast a ballot on Election Day, but a new policy requires them to show valid photo ID when purchasing nail polish remover.
Customers heading to CVS Pharmacies nationwide will soon be asked to show identification when purchasing nail polish remover, as the chemicals in the item can be used to make controlled substances. Though not required by law, the company will begin implementing the policy chain-wide, Boston’s NPR affiliate, WBUR reported, with some stores in the northeast already hit with it. Customers will also be limited in an amount of nail polish remover they can purchase.
“Because acetone is an ingredient used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, we recently implemented a policy that a valid ID must be presented to purchase acetone-containing products such as nail polish remover,” CVS said in a statement. “Our policy also limits the sale of these products in conjunction with other methamphetamine precursors and is based on various regulations requiring retailers to record sales of acetone.”
The substance, which contains acetone and iodine, is not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the Drug Enforcement Administration. However, acetone and iodine are both considered “list II chemicals” according to the Controlled Substances Act and often times are used to make controlled substances like meth.
CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis told WBUR there is no age limit for purchasing nail polish remover, though for anyone under the age of 16 — i.e those without valid drivers licenses — it would prove to be difficult.
The drug store is currently the only one requiring identification to purchase the item, so for those 13-year-olds looking to change the color on their nails, Walgreen’s may be a better option.
