Security tag detacher activation system

A system for unlocking a security tag having a locking mechanism, the system comprising:

• an authorization device, the authorization device including:
• a first receiver, the first receiver configured to receive a user identifier;
• a device memory, the device memory configured to store at least one user rule;
• and
• a first processor, the first processor configured to:
• determine whether the user identifier meets the at least one user rule;
• and
• cause transmission of a response message, the response message indicating whether the user identifier meets the at least one user rule;
• a detacher configured to communicate with the authorization device, the detacher comprising:
• a detaching element, the detaching element configured to unlock the locking mechanism if the detaching element is activated;
• a second receiver, the second receiver configured to receive the response message;
• and
• a second processor, the second processor configured to activate the detaching element if the response message indicates the user associated with the user identifier is authorized to use the detaching element, the detaching element remaining deactivated if the response message indicates the user associated with the user identifier is unauthorized to use the detaching element.

A method for unlocking a security tag having a locking mechanism, comprising:

• receiving, at a detacher, a user identifier associated with at least one user;
• determining whether the received user identifier meets at least one user rule;
• and
• activating a detaching element if the received user identifier meets the at least one user rule, the detaching element arranged to unlock the locking mechanism.