Eggs, Milk, and Now Bullets for Sale in a Handful of US Grocery Stores with Ammo Vending Machines
American Rounds installs ammo vending machines in US grocery stores, allowing customers to buy rounds alongside other things. Concerns are raised about the potential increase in gun violence and the efficacy of age-verification technologies. CEO Grant Magers focuses on proper gun ownership and seeks to improve the community atmosphere.
This new feature enables clients to quickly purchase bullets alongside basic necessities such as milk and eggs. The business behind this project, American Rounds, claims that their machines use advanced technology like as identification scanners and face recognition software to verify the age of customers. They claim that the method is as straightforward and efficient as using a computer tablet.
However, campaigners are concerned that selling bullets through vending machines may contribute to an increase in gun crime. The United States, where this concept originated, saw at least 33 deaths from gun violence on Independence Day alone. Critics contend that American Rounds' age-verification system is not flawless, and that online sales or retail outlets with high theft rates are inappropriate venues for selling ammunition.
Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, thanked everyone who had taken the time to grasp the company's aims. He stressed that they are strong advocates of the Second Amendment while also advocating for responsible gun ownership. Magers expects that their presence in the community would lead to a safer atmosphere.
Disturbingly, there have already been 15 mass shootings with firearms in 2024, compared to 39 the previous year. These figures, collated by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University, demonstrate the critical need for tighter gun control legislation.
Nick Suplina, Everytown for Gun Safety's senior vice president for law and policy, argues that safety features like facial recognition, age verification, and serial sales tracking should be introduced in gun stores rather than places where people buy ordinary commodities. He argues that normalising the sale and promotion of ammunition in a country already saturated with guns and ammo is unnecessary and potentially dangerous, especially considering that firearms are the leading cause of death among children.
American Rounds was approached by grocery stores and other establishments interested in selling ammunition through automated technology. The company, which was established in 2023, currently has one machine in Alabama, four in Oklahoma, and one in Texas. They have plans to install another machine in Texas and one in Colorado in the coming weeks.
To comply with federal law, purchasers must be at least 21 years old to use the vending machines. The process involves scanning a driver's license to validate age and identity, followed by a facial recognition scan to confirm the customer's identity. Once verified, the transaction can be completed within a minute and a half.
While the concept of vending machines for bullets may seem unconventional, it is not entirely unprecedented. Similar technology has been used to sell alcoholic beverages and cannabis products in states where they are legal. However, it is worth noting that these machines do not have the age verification mechanism.
American Rounds has received significant interest from rural communities where access to ammunition retailers may be limited. The vending machines can be found in Super C Mart and Fresh Value grocery stores in small cities like Pell City, Alabama, with a population of over 13,600, and Noble, Oklahoma, where nearly 7,600 people reside. This initiative aims to provide convenience to customers who would otherwise have to travel long distances to purchase ammunition for activities such as hunting.
American Rounds introduces ammo vending machines in US grocery stores, allowing customers to purchase bullets alongside everyday items.
Concerns arise regarding the potential increase in gun violence and the effectiveness of age-verification technology.
CEO Grant Magers emphasises responsible gun ownership and hopes to improve the community environment.
Source: AP NEWS