Barhand

Iconoculture: Long waits make nights out a drag for patrons, and impatient patrons make nights a drag for waitstaff. Dispensing convenience keeps guests and staff cheery.
Elbows, curses, sneers … Just another night queuing for drinks. But Barhand could bring that to an end. The torqued vending machine’s robotic arm dispenses bottled brews, cutting queues and easing staff burdens. Barhand’s being rolled out across Europe, and Japan’s Fuji has signed on to sell them worldwide. The beerslinger can chill 300 bottles. And it shuts off when last call arrives. There’s hope Barhand will even reduce binge drinking by discouraging multiple drink orders (EveningTimes.co.uk 6.10.05). On the downside, it’s unknown how overserved patrons and the underage set will be kept from buying potent potables. And, like the SmartMart store, it takes away human interaction. Wait – maybe that’s a good thing…
Belly Up To The Machine? [Iconoculture]