For the first time in the UK people can use a digital ID on their smartphones to buy vape products from a vending machine as part of a 12-month trial approved by Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards – a decade since the sale of tobacco products from machines was banned in the UK to prevent them getting into under-aged hands.
The advice from Trading Standards extends to high street retail, pubs and even NHS locations seeking to make their venues completely smoke free.
Using state-of-the-art digital identification technology from award winning age verification specialist 1account, the high-tech vape vending machines are a world away from their easy to access predecessors, ensuring only identity and age checked adults can access them.
The company has integrated it software to machines built by leading, London based vending manufacturer Aeguana and is in discussion with other manufacturers.
The first of the new generation vending machines has been installed in the Leicester branch of specialist vape retailer Ecigwizard, however a household name grocery retailer will also trial the vending machines at its stores this spring with more brands set to follow.
How it works
To create the digital ID, vapers simply download the 1account’s app, upload a form of ID to prove their age and who they are, and take a selfie. This information is cross referenced and verified with multiple data points such as mobile phone records, and the digital ID is ready to go.
At the vending machine, the consumer simply selects the product they want before opening the app and scanning a QR code on the machine to unlock it. Then their identity information, including age and photo image, are intelligently checked and verified to ensure that the person making the purchase is over 18 and who they say they are. They then make a card payment and their product is dispensed.
Ben Keirle, founder and CEO of 1account, said: “The use of vending machines for the sale of consumable products has grown significantly in recent years as retailers better understand the demands of modern consumers.
“This pilot with Ecigwizard, and future trial partners, aims to evaluate if the sale of age restricted goods can form part of the continued expansion of this new generation of ‘smart’ vending machines which ensure children are not able to access age restricted products.”
Extensive consultation
Before launching the pilot, 1account carried out an extensive consultation process to gauge demand and support for the vape vending machine concept, including engagement with Members of Parliament, Public Health England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, smoking cessation experts including ASH, the New Nicotine Alliance and Smoke Free App, the UK Vaping Industry Association and various academic experts on vaping, including from King’s College, London.
Ben Keirle continued: “Before the ban on cigarette vending machines was introduced ten years ago, it was estimated that 35 million cigarettes were sold illegally through vending machines to children every year.
“This new generation of machines, incorporating our leading-edge digital ID technology, provides adults with greater access to vape products, which Public Health England state are at least 95% less harmful than conventional cigarettes, while at the same time safeguarding against under 18s getting their hands on vape devices and e-liquids.
John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association welcomed the announcement of 1account’s vaping vending machine.
He added: “Vaping has been one of the most disruptive and successful business sectors in the 21st century. Innovation has been at the heart of its hugely positive impact on the health of former smokers and the country’s economy. The advent of the vape vending machine is another example of the innovative spirit within the sector which will support more smokers make a successful transition from conventional cigarettes to considerably less harmful vape products and at the same time boosting the retail economy.
“Today there are some 2.4m former adult smokers as a result of completely switching over to vaping and there is relatively low take up amongst under 18-year-olds. The vending machine, with its built-in digital ID technology, will help to ensure both trends continue.”
The introduction of the vending machine is part of 1account’s expansion plans to roll out its digital ID technology in shops selling age restricted products such as alcohol, knives and medications; as well as in establishments where it is illegal for U18s to be present including pubs, nightclubs and casinos.
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