Cheese, milk, rise…bullets: Ammunition vending machines in the USA

A company in Alabama, USA, has installed vending machines in grocery stores that allow consumers to buy bullets for their guns along with their milk.

Specifically, according to the Associated Press, American Rounds announced that its new vending machines use a recognition scanner and facial recognition software to verify the buyer’s age and are as “quick and easy” to use as a tablet. However, critics warn that selling bullets from vending machines will lead to more incidents of mass shootings in the USA, where on Independence Day (July 4th) alone, 33 people were shot dead.

The company argues that the age verification technology means transactions are as safe or even safer than online sales, which may not require the buyer to provide proof of age, or retail stores, where there is a risk of theft.

Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 15 mass shooting incidents, according to a database maintained in collaboration with the Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University.

The company currently operates one machine in Alabama, four in Oklahoma, and one in Texas, with plans for another in Texas and one in Colorado.

Federal law requires a person to be 18 years old to purchase ammunition for shotguns and rifles, and 21 years old to purchase ammunition for handguns.

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