Pennsylvania Pulls Wine Vending Machines Following Glitches

Earlier this year, the state of Pennsylvania announced plans to sell wine through vending machines, throwing an olive branch to residents who have complained for years about high prices and poor selection at the Keystone State's 625 liquor stores. Unfortunately, though, the automated bottle purveyors have turned out to be a dismal failure.

The self-service wine kiosks, which were supposed to provide consumers safe, one-stop shopping, are not working properly and officials at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) are not exactly sure why. On Dec. 21, the board was forced to temporarily shut down the 30 machines, which come equipped with their own breathalyzers, based at supermarkets around the state. Previously, Pennsylvania only allowed wine to be sold in State Stores.