Vending Machines Selling Ammo in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma: Mixed Reactions
Vending machines that sell ammunition are now available in grocery stores across Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. These machines, created by American Rounds, use advanced AI technology to verify customers’ identities through ID scanning and facial recognition. This ensures that the buyer’s age is verified and matches the scanned identification.
The vending machines offer ammunition for various firearm calibers, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, mentioned that local grocery stores approached him in the spring of 2023 to use his technology for selling ammunition. The first machine was installed in Alabama last November.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has allowed these machines, stating that a federal license is not required to sell ammunition, but sales must comply with state and federal laws. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office confirmed that these vending machines appear to be lawful. CNN is awaiting confirmation from the attorneys general of Alabama and Texas.
Earlier this month, American Rounds decided to relocate one of its machines in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, due to low sales. Kip Tyner, a member of the Tuscaloosa City Council, expressed concerns about the machines, fearing they might be misused by irresponsible individuals.
Despite these concerns, American Rounds plans to expand into more states, including California, Florida, and Hawaii. The company is also setting up two more dispensers in Texas and Colorado within the next couple of weeks.
