First established in 1880, vending machines have been advancing ever since. Dispensing holy water, stamps and underwear, the vending world has embraced the sheer variety, so it’s no surprise that alcohol machines are on the rise. Wines, beers and spirits can be served via alcohol vending machines and, with some legal hurdles cleared, more and more places in the world are investing in these self-serving alcohol dispensers.
Are alcohol vending machines smart enough to deal with ID?
Biometric security – designed to sell alcohol to those who have the rights to purchase alcohol using a vending machine. Biometric alcohol vending machines can be found in California, they have a biometric identifier to determine users by their veins and fingers so that it can verify who is eligible to purchase restricted goods. Buyers must place their finger onto the FV scanner lightly, this will then either decline you or allow you to undergo ‘finger vein enrollment’. Once the user has been given the OK, they must click on the register button where you will need to type in a username and password.
On-premise beer vending machines – licensed establishments will ID customers who enter the bar or pub, which cuts the need for a high-tech vending machine. These customers will be given a wristband to display that they have been ID’ed and can access these restricted machines. This wristband will be scanned and paired to the customers’ debit or credit card. These bands can track alcohol intake too.
Alcohol vending machines – friend or foe?
Convenience and novelty are two things that society enjoy and with the majority wanting to try the next big thing, it’s likely you’ll come across alcohol vending machines and feel the urge to join in on this unfamiliar experience. But will this alcohol dispensing and self-pouring technology axe countless bar staffing jobs?
It’s unequivocal that machines will eventually replace humans, just like train station ticket collection sections, patient registration areas, supermarket self-service checkouts and library lending/return desks have. That said, what we need to remember is that for now, if you want a tailored service, where advice or tailoring is required, there will still be jobs for us humans. For those wanting the full cocktail experience, a beer vending machine might not cut it, but when you’re out and about and fancy a fresh beverage, an ice-cold drink might just be the perfect tipple.
Where in the world can I find alcohol vending machines?
Japan
Japan is the most advanced when it comes to vending machine variety, with whiskey, sake and beer vending machines.
Las Vegas
Moët & Chandon can be found in Las Vegas, which is no shock, considering the nightlife here is award-winning. Found at Richard Blais’ southern fried chicken establishment, you will find a champagne-filled vending machine.
New York
Imperial Brut and Imperial Rosé can be found in midtown Manhattan, Lexington Hotel – where Marilyn Monroe famously once lived. In The Stayton Room, you will find 200ml bottles in a slick, chilled vending machine where each bottle of fizz comes with a complimentary champagne flute for a sophisticated experience.
Edinburgh
With a little innovation comes masses of people. The sweet, sweet combination of luxurious ice cream with decadent notes and tones of your favoured liquor makes for a vending machine experience worth having. Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh sells exquisite alcohol-infused treats that can make any adult feel like a child in a sweet shop!
Nottingham, UK
Another? Nottingham’s self-service wine bar offers a unique tab experience. Simply register your name, grab a card, choose your preferred drink whether that’s red, white, rose or port, pop your card in and enjoy! With staff there to help you choose or recommend a palatable wine – you’ll certainly wonder why you waited so long to visit.
Whilst we don’t do alcohol vending machines you can contact the Nu Vending team today to find out more about our vending machines and other services. We’re more than happy to help.
