PA Pioneers Wine Vending Machines

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Christina Jelski
Posted: July 8, 2010

As part of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s attempt to become more consumer-friendly, two supermarkets in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg have launched the nation’s first wine vending machines. Introduced last month, the self-serve kiosks are open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and offer a selection of 53 wines targeted at the average consumer. Should the trial run be successful, the Liquor Control Board could introduce the machines to 100 additional supermarkets throughout the state in August.

Built by Pennsylvania-based Simple Brands, each kiosk requires customers to undergo a 20-second approval process prior to sale. After a wine is selected on the touch-screen display, the buyer scans his or her license and looks into the built-in surveillance camera. A state employee remotely verifies that the license and buyer conform and a no-contact breathalyzer device ensures that the buyer’s alcohol level is below .02. Each step must be completed and the Liquor Control Board emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy. The machines only accept debit or credit cards.

Prior to permitting vending machines, Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board opened 19 wine and liquor stores in the state to increase access and convenience. The Board has announced several other consumer-centric initiatives recently, including better employee training, the utilization of new technology and improved customer education and awareness.

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