Blog - Intelligent Vending Ltd

Wine Vending Machines

The state of Pennsylvania is home to some of the most strict and unusual alcohol laws to be found within the United States.

Pennsylvania is one of USA’s 19 ‘alcoholic beverage control states’ where the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages are monopolised, restricted, and controlled by the government.

For example, in Pennsylvania wine and spirits are sold exclusively by state owned shops. The prices of the drinks in these shops are also governed and are kept consistent throughout the entire state.

Softer liquor such as beer can only be obtained in restaurants, bars, bottle shops or dedicated distributors. Although these distributors will happily sell or refill beer kegs, smaller quantities such as the familiar six-pack must typically be purchased from bars or restaurants.

Pennsylvania became an alcoholic beverage control state as a result of the 1936 Johnstown Flood. The state imposed a ‘temporary’ tax rise of 10% to help pay for the clean-up operations and repairs to damage caused by the flood. However, the tax still remains, and has in fact now almost doubled to 18%. Additionally, the estimated $200 million raised annually by the tax is no longer distributed to flood victims.

In an attempt to put some convenience back in stores, while also working within the peculiar laws governing the sale of alcohol in Pennsylvania, special wine vending machines have just been developed and are currently being trialled in two different supermarkets. There are plans for significant expansion should the trial realise success.

Though, perhaps the actual convenience provided by these machines is up for debate. In order to vend a bottle of wine, the customer must first select their drink of choice, swipe their driving license for identification, look in to a surveillance camera, and blow in to an alcohol sensing breathalyzer. The sale is then approved by an employee located remotely, in the state’s capital city: Harrisburg.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas
Tags: Vending Machine News