I know where you drank last summer

You may not be very concerned about getting your license scanned when you go into a bar or buy some beer. I don't actually think there are many places that do it around here in WI, I can't remember ever having it done. I am now glad for that fact after reading this article about those scanners (from /.). It seems some of them don't just read the data on the magnetic strip or barcode, but actually then verify that data against a central database somewhere. Which means that when you get scanned by one of them when going in to a bar or buying alcohol at the store, that place with the database then has a record or you having done that, to go along with all your license info that is in their database (Name, DOB, height, weight, address, etc etc)

If this scanning were to become commonplace, then the company who has this databse (or maybe it could be the state, I'm not sure) would have a complete record of when and where you drink, and when and where you buy alcohol. When I was a bit more naive, it sounded great to get a free pack of smokes just to get your license scanned, until the Marlboro ads started coming for the next 4-5 years. I think I have to side with the author of that article and not let my license be scanned, ever.