BAT plans to install vending machines in bars and bars to sell vapes and tobacco tar bags to increase product sales. Adopt advanced age verification technology to prevent underage purchases. The move has caused anxiety about how it could affect sales at nearby stores.
BAT plans to roll out vape vending machines in UK pubs
According to Better Retail reported on June 18, to sell vapes and cigarette tar bags, British and American Tobacco (BAT) plans to launch vending machines in bars and bars.
According to the job posting, BAT’s goal is to “find new locations for vending machines and related business development solutions to ultimately increase sales of bat-related products,” to recruit at least 12 sales representatives to enter liquor sales venues.
Targeted areas include Basingstoke, Birmingham, Berry St Edmunds, Cambridge, Coventry, Crawley, Edinburgh, Exeter, Maidstone, Reading, Royal Tunbridge and Severoaks.
One vaping testing company warned that the restrictions would be ineffective without more resources.
The representatives will begin a six-month “trial” contract on June 24 and are scheduled to “run through 2025 and beyond.”
BAT wants to sell its Vuse and Velo vape brands in vending machines
When asked about this, a BAT spokesperson told Better Retailing:
“BAT UK is pleased to be involved in a project to sell our Vuse and Velo brands through vending machines that include age requirements. BAT’s goal is to build a better tomorrow. We will do this by reducing the health impact of our business, including touching adult consumers in areas where they use us instead of tobacco and tar products. Vending machines represent an exciting opportunity to further our goals.”
The installation of vape vending machines in bars has caused anxiety over the issue of sales to minors. BAT, in response to how to prevent underage purchases, said:
“Our machines will use state-of-the-art age verification technology to ensure this important principle is maintained.”
BAT did not respond when asked about the impact this might have on sales at surrounding newsstands. And convenience stores selling the same BAT products.
