The first vending machines focused on selling wine and tobacco. Then postcards, stamps, and envelopes were added. Over time, designs improved to offer newspapers, meals and beverages (cold or hot), toys, books, and even makeup. However, a company in the US decided to honor its "gun culture"... and began distributing vending machines that sell ammunition. The web is on fire.
Yes, Americans maintain a very close relationship with their firearms. No, it's not an exaggeration: It is estimated that there are 120 guns per 100 people in that country, and the numbers keep growing. Studying this "gun culture" is a fascinating process that takes us more than 250 years back, before the Revolution, with immigrants expanding westward, the absence of authorities, and the need to hunt and defend themselves. However, its "modern interpretation" has given rise to extravagant developments such as flamethrower robot dogs and its latest expression... ammunition vending machines.
Ammunition Vending Machines: Only in America
American Rounds is a company based in Dallas. Its CEO, Grant Magers, has explained to the media that the machines comply with all federal requirements, since the process is neither anonymous nor private: To complete a purchase, the customer must enter a valid ID into the machine (confirming they are over 21), and accept a facial capture to verify (via facial recognition) that it is the same person.
For now, there are only six machines in operation: four in Oklahoma (Super C Mart), one in Alabama (Fresh Value, but ABC News reports it was removed), and one in Texas (Lowe's Market)... which is apparently just meters from a school. Magers also added that they received "more than 200 requests" to install machines in nine different states.
What do the authorities think? The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) said that the machines are legal and do not require a license, but any sale of ammunition must comply with state and federal laws. For example, federal law requires the buyer to be over 18 for shotgun and rifle ammunition, and 21 for handguns (pistols/revolvers). American Rounds has set a 21-year-old limit in all cases.
Sources: Morning Brew and AP News.
