Self-Serve Beer Machines Are Here

Minnesota Twins fans can now get drunk with minimal human interaction thanks to a new set of self-serve beer machines at Target Field. According to the Star Tribune, patrons go to a cashier to have their age verified. They are then allowed to purchase "a vending card with either $10 or $20 on it for use" at the Draft Serv machines. Beer can be purchased by the ounce and customers can dispense up to 48 ounces every 15 minutes. Customers are given four options with which to fill their 20-ounce cups: Bud and Bud Light are available for $.38 an ounce while Shock Top Lemon Shandy and Goose Island 312 Urban Pale Ale cost $.40 an ounce.

Target Field is the first major-league stadium to have this type of machine. A manager told the paper that they sold 200 cards on their first day. To prevent customers from becoming overly intoxicated there is a employee at each station to double check identification and to make sure the drinker doesn't appear to have surpassed their limits. The manager notes that the machines may serve other types of beer, or even soda, in the future. With the creation of vending machines for pizza, fries, and even burritos, perhaps one day all stadium dining will be self-service.

· Target Field Uncaps Self-Serve Beer Station [Star Tribune via FWF]
· All Stadium Dining Coverage on Eater [-E-]