Like Norwegians, wine lovers in the USA state of Pennsylvania have been restricted to buying their drinks at state run liquor stores only.

Wine vending machine

Until now that is. Being tested in supermarkets are wine vending machines which hold 700 bottles in the price range $7 to $23.  For the very first time, shoppers can now pick up the Chardonnay with the cheese. Something that we in South Africa take for granted.

This is not as liberating as it might sound. In this  state where alcohol sales are tightly controlled, customers have to jump through several hoops to get their grog.

First they must swipe both a proof of age and their payment card.

Then there’s the breathalyser. A quick puff to show they’re sober and the appropriate door will open. CCTV cameras are monitored by state officials as a final safeguard.

The appeal of convenience is obvious though. Simple Brands CEO James Lessor says:

You can now buy iPods and hi-tech gadgets in vending machines at airports. You can now get your tickets at self-service checkouts. And self-service has just really become more popular.

But in a country where convenience has always been a best seller, the machines’ makers hope to open another 100 later this year.