News

Florida court approves self-serve wine, beer machines

February 4, 2020

A Florida appeals court has given the green light to automated beer and wine dispensers, according to an Associated Press report. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation previously denied a company's request to operate the dispensing systems, but the First District Court of Appeal ruled in the company's favor when it appealed the regulator's decision.

Rashid Siahpoosh, owner of La Galere, a South Florida-based company that has a chain of self-service food stores in Florida, said the company focuses on developing and operating self-checkout food marts. The wine and beverage dispenser was developed in response to customer requests, Siahpoosh said.

The dispensing system uses biometrics and other technology to make sure customers who are purchasing wine or beer are over the age of 21. Only residents in buildings where stores operate will have access to the machines, and individuals must verify their age in advance of purchases.