Vending machines dispense ammunition at two Alabama grocery stores: How they work

Two grocery stores in Alabama currently have an automated vending machine that dispenses ammunition.

American Rounds markets an automated ammunition dispenser which uses artificial intelligence technology to verify a buyer’s identification and age through card scanning and facial recognition software.

The buyer inserts their photo ID, and the machine conducts a 360-degree scan to match it to the ID card.

The machines can currently be found at Fresh Value locations in Tuscaloosa, at 4200 McFarland Blvd., and Pell City, 1009 Martin St. The company plans to expand to other locations in Alabama as well, according to CEO Grant Magers.

Magers said the Pell City store approached the company about installing one of the machines, thinking it was a “good opportunity for their customer base.”

Terry Stanley, COO of Fresh Value, in a promotional video, said the kiosk is a big hit with customers.

“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,” Stanley said.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley was quoted in The Tuscaloosa Thread as saying the machines are legal and approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.