Appeals Court Opens Door to Alcohol Vending Machines

Per Jim Rosica of the Tallahassee Democrat, the First District Court of Appeal has overturned the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco’s finding that alcoholic beverage vending machines (or “automated dispensing machines”) are illegal. The decision can be found below or on the court’s website.

“[N]othing in the plain language of the statutes cited by the Division (DABT) prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages through automated dispensing machines”

— First District Court of Appeal, State of Florida

The decision was limited to overturning the Division’s position that the vending machine usage proposed by the appellant violated ten specific statutes. That means that it technically leaves open the possibility that other provisions of law could prohibit or restrict the use of such machines.

There’s been significant interest in providing such machines in Florida’s diverse and bustling hospitality scene. Expect to see some activity on this at your local hot spot.