Vending machines have been around for a long time, since the late 19th century in fact. It was during this time that the first coin operated vending machines appeared in London. The vending company responsible wanted to sell post cards and as this was a huge success, it wasn’t long before the idea took off. A publisher by the name of Richard Carlisle invented a series of vending machines which sold books and within a year or two, the idea spread across the Atlantic. 

In 1888 the Thomas Adams Gum Company produced the first vending machines to be seen in the USA when they were installed in railway stations in New York to sell chewing gum. Since then the number of vending machines runs into the millions, selling just about every item you can think of.

Just recently in Pennsylvania, a vending company has given shoppers the chance to buy wine from vending machines, but as this state has one of the strictest alcohol laws in the US, it’s not as easy as you might think to buy a bottle of your favourite wine. Prior to the vending company setting up this new system, it was only possible to buy alcohol at state owned shops in Pennsylvania, so those wanting to buy a bottle of wine have to overcome some hurdles before they can uncork and relax.

First of all they have to provide proof of their age – which is fair enough as you would have to do this at a standard shop – but then the purchaser has to undergo a breath test on a breathalyser which is attached to the vending machines. All of this is monitored by CCTV cameras to ensure that all is well, and as long as the individual is not over the limit, he or she can then buy the wine of their choice.