July 10th 2024.
American Rounds, a company based in Texas, has recently introduced a new concept in the world of firearms and ammunition - automated vending machines. These machines, which dispense bullets and ammunition, have been installed in select grocery stores in three states in the South, with plans for expansion in the near future. Naturally, this has sparked concerns and debates among gun control advocates and organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety.
In an interview with the Associated Press, CEO Grant Magers revealed that the idea for these vending machines came from grocery stores and retailers who saw the potential for selling ammunition using automated technology. As of now, the company has one machine in Alabama, four in Oklahoma, and one in Texas. However, there are plans to install additional machines in Texas and Colorado.
One of the main selling points for these vending machines is the use of facial detection and identification scanner technology, which provides a more secure purchasing environment. However, opponents such as Nick Suplina, the senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, are worried about the larger implications of this technology in a country that already struggles with a high rate of mass shootings. In fact, according to a Tweet by Brady | United Against Gun Violence on July 10, 2024, gun violence is the leading cause of death for kids and young people in the United States.
The vending machines have also caught the attention of journalists, with Hannah Allam reporting on July 7, 2024, that the new machines in Oklahoma are accessible 24/7, allowing customers to buy ammunition at their convenience, without having to worry about store hours or long lines. WFAA also covered the story on July 10, 2024, stating that the Dallas-based company has introduced these machines in response to the demand for more accessible ammunition.
However, not everyone is on board with this new concept. Shannon Watts, a gun control advocate, expressed her disbelief on July 7, 2024, over the fact that grocery stores in Alabama and Oklahoma are now selling ammunition through vending machines. Terry Stanley, the COO of Fresh Value, one of the grocery stores that has installed these machines, even went as far as to call it the "first ammo kiosk," showing just how normalized this concept has become.
Despite the positive reception from retailers and customers, there are still concerns about the safety and accessibility of these machines. Nick Suplina from Everytown for Gun Safety expressed his worry about further normalizing the sale and promotion of firearms and ammunition in a country where they are already so prevalent. On the other hand, Grant Magers argues that these machines provide a convenient option for those living in small towns who may not have access to retailers that sell ammunition.
According to Inc, American Rounds has received many requests for machines from 200 stores across nine states. However, the city council in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, raised concerns about the sale of ammunition in grocery stores and vending machines at a meeting on July 2. As a result, the machine was removed by Fresh Value, but not before Councilman Kip Tyner expressed his disbelief and shock at the idea.
Ultimately, the legality of these machines falls under local zoning laws that govern the sale of ammunition. While the debate about their safety and accessibility continues, the data shows that more than 50,000 guns from police departments have been used in violent crimes. In a country already struggling with gun violence, the introduction of automated vending machines for ammunition raises important questions about the role and responsibility of firearms and ammunition retailers in promoting public safety.
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