Vending Machines are Now Selling Bullets at Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Alabama and Oklahoma have introduced a new way to purchase ammunition through vending machines. These innovative machines, supplied by American Rounds, promise “ammo sales like you’ve never seen before” by revolutionizing the sale of ammunition for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

The vending machines utilize advanced artificial intelligence technology to verify a buyer’s identification and age. This process involves card scanning and facial recognition software. The buyer simply inserts their photo ID, and the machine scans to match it with the ID card, ensuring that the purchaser meets legal requirements.

In a promotional video, Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, explained that the stores were seeking an innovative solution to bring ammo sales directly to their customers. Terry Stanley, COO of Fresh Value in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, expressed his excitement about offering the first ammo kiosk. He emphasized the convenience and positive customer feedback, stating, “We’re always looking for ways to give our customers another reason to come visit our stores. Anything we can do to help them make their shopping trips easier, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from customers today, they are so excited about us having this ammo kiosk.”

The vending machines are currently available at six locations, as listed on the company’s website.

However, the introduction of these machines has sparked some concern. During a briefing of the Tuscaloosa City Council, city council president Kip Tyner raised questions after receiving calls about the ammunition vending machines at Fresh Value. Initially skeptical, Tyner confirmed the machines’ existence and legality with police chief Brent Blankley and other municipal leaders. The city’s police chief and staff reported that the machines are legal and have been vetted by the ATF, as noted by the Tuscaloosa Thread.

This innovative approach to ammunition sales highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology to enhance consumer convenience, while also navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and public safety.