Is this an irresponsible idea or a good idea and will it catch on in the UK?

by **sonny** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:52 am

Wine vending machines: a new way to buy booze

Pennsylvania is hoping to breathe life into its state-controlled wine sales with self-serve wine kiosks being tested in supermarkets. Skip related content

In the US, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Pennsylvania is the first state to try using the vending machines. State liquor laws only allow for alcohol to be sold at state-owned liquor stores, so the vending machines are a new way to provide convenience to consumers.

The machines require customers to insert a US drivers license or state ID into the machine. A high-definition camera captures the person's image, which is verified by remote at a State processing centre to prevent underage drinking. Then, customers must blow into a breathalyser device to ensure that they are not intoxicated. The whole process lasts about three minutes.

The large refrigerated machines hold about 700 bottles of wine. There is an informational board nearby that details the variety and brands of wine and lists the details of each particular bottle including origin, body and food pairing suggestions.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20100806/twl-wine-vending-machines-launch-in-the-41f21e0.html

by **calin** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:53 am

i don't think its a good idea. There are those who will find a way to manipulate it and misuse/abuse it.

Surely, there are greater needs in our world than finding a quicker way to buy alcohol.

by **amdt57** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:02 am

Crikey, what a pain! I cannot believe that liqur stores are state owned - wow! That's like a dictatorship! As for the idea, I fail to see why it's any good. Surely supermarkets sell alcohol? What a hassle to have to faff about with a dispenser just for a bottle of wine. No thanks.

by **tahmelapachme33** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:12 am

I couldn't buy a bottle of wine at 5 to 8 in the morning i had to wait until dead on 8 even though the shop had been open from 7am. It was a gift for someone at work but if i couldn't buy it then i don't suppose a machine would be allowed.

by **wardell** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:18 am

Crumbs, is 24/7 wine really necessary?

I would be concerned that the system would record identities, times, locations and preferences of everyone who used it. Prepare to be bombarded by 'targeted' marketing

Can't see it working in Britain. We don't have id cards

by **egann** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:21 am

Sounds like a stupid, irresponsible, unnecessary, way to ensure that those who should not drink can easily do so, whilst the owners of the machines get rich supplying booze to minors>

Should go down really well in the UK!

by **chansomps** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:23 am

what so you can be profiled and your drinking habits held on a government database and ultimately you lose medical care becuase your deemed to have a drink problem

no thanks

by **nann** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:38 am

Alcohol is the drink of the devil

In evening you see woman drunk as the skunks walking home falling on ground
Makes men beat their wives and mothers
Kill peoples in drunk driving

by **naseem** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:45 am

It sounds a bit tight. ID and a breath test. I bet it costs a bomb too. :(

by **han** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:58 am

That's dumb. Leave it to the americans.

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