Milk, eggs, and now bullets for sale in handful of US grocery stores with ammo vending machines

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Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. ammunition / ˌæm yəˈnɪʃ ən / (n.) – the bullets or other objects that are shot from weapons like guns
    Example:

    The men had to buy ammunition before going into the woods to hunt.


  2. verify / ˈvɛr əˌfaɪ / (v.) – to prove or know that something is true and correct
    Example:

    To open a new bank account, you must verify your identity with a passport or an ID card.


  3. shooting / ˈʃuː tɪŋ / (n.) – an event in which someone fires a gun or other weapon, resulting in injury or death
    Example:

    The recent increase in shootings in the area has raised concerns among the local community.


  4. shoplifting / ˈʃɑːp lɪf tɪŋ / (n.) – the act of taking something from a store without paying for it
    Example:

    The store manager held a meeting to discuss ways to reduce shoplifting and improve security.


  5. assumption / əˈsʌmp ʃən / (n.) – something that is accepted as or believed to be true without any proof
    Example:

    Before starting the experiment, the scientists made several assumptions about the results.


Article

Read the text below.

A company has installed computerized vending machines to sell ammunition in grocery stores in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, allowing patrons to pick up bullets along with a gallon of milk.


American Rounds said their machines use an identification scanner and facial recognition software to verify the purchaser’s age and are as “quick and easy” to use as a computer tablet. But advocates worry that selling bullets out of vending machines will lead to more shootings in the U.S.


The company maintains the age-verification technology means that the transactions are as secure, or more secure than online sales, which may not require the purchaser to submit proof of age, or at retail stores, where there is a risk of shoplifting.


“I’m very thankful for those who are taking the time to get to know us and not just making assumptions about what we’re about,” CEO Grant Magers said. “We are very pro-Second Amendment, but we are for responsible gun ownership. And we hope we’re improving the environment for the community.”


“People, I think, got shocked when they thought about the idea of selling ammo at a grocery store,” Magers said. “But as we explained, how is that any different than Walmart?”


Federal law requires a person to be 18 to buy shotgun and rifle ammunition and 21 to buy handgun ammunition. Magers said their machines require a purchaser to be at least 21.


The machine works by requiring a customer to scan their driver’s license to validate that they are age 21 or older. The scan also checks that it is a valid license, he said. That is followed by a facial recognition scan to verify “you are who you are saying you are as a consumer,” he said.


Magers said much of the early interest in the machines has been in rural communities where there may be few retailers that sell ammunition. The American Rounds machines are in Super C Mart and Fresh Value grocery stores in small cities, including Pell City, Alabama, which has a population of over 13,600, and Noble, Oklahoma, where nearly 7,600 people live.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • CEO Grant Magers thinks people got shocked when they thought about the idea of selling ammo at a grocery store. How do you feel about the selling of ammo at grocery stores (ex. it’s not appropriate, it’s acceptable)? In your opinion, is there a more appropriate place to sell weapons, like guns and ammo? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Magers also said that, with the vending machines, his company hopes to improve the environment for the community. Given the risks of selling guns and ammo online and at retail stores, do you think selling ammo through vending machines will improve communities? Why or why not? How does your community view gun ownership? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Magers said their machines require a purchaser to be at least 21 years old. Do you think using age-verification technology will make buying ammunition safer? Do you think legal adults will be more responsible gun owners? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What does responsible gun ownership mean to you (ex. having registered guns, using guns only when necessary)? Do you think companies can still promote responsible gun ownership while selling ammunition? Why or why not? Discuss.