For the first time in the UK, people can use a digital ID on their smartphone to buy vaping products from a vending machine, as part of a 12-month trial approved by the Bucks & Surrey trade standard – a distance from selling tobacco products through a machine It has been banned in the UK for a decade to prevent them from getting into the hands of minors.

Trading Standards' advice extends to high street retail, pubs and even NHS locations in an attempt to make their premises completely smoke-free.

Using state-of-the-art digital identification technology from award-winning age verification specialist 1account, high-tech e-cigarette vending machines are a world apart from their easily accessible predecessors, ensuring that only adults who have undergone identity and age checks can access them.

The company has integrated its software into machines made by leading London-based vending machine maker Aeguana and is in discussions with other manufacturers.

The first of a new generation of vending machines has been installed at the Leicester branch of specialist e-cigarette retailer Ecigwizard, but the household-name grocery retailer will also be trialling vending machines in its stores this spring, with more brands to follow.

To create a digital ID, users simply download 1account's app, upload an ID form to prove their age and identity, and take a selfie. This information is cross-referenced and verified with multiple data points, such as cell phone records, and the digital ID is ready to use.

At the vending machine, consumers simply open the app and scan the QR code on the machine to unlock, then intelligently check their identification information, including age and photo images, to ensure that the buyer is over 18 and that they are who said they were. They can then select the product they want, make a card payment and pick it up.

Smart vending machines offer unprecedented convenience

1account's mission is to provide better access to age-restricted goods and services, especially for those who have difficulty obtaining traditional forms of identity such as passports or driver's licenses, and to do so by limiting children's access to age-inappropriate goods and services child protection, both online and away.

Ben Keirle, founder and CEO of 1account, said: "The use of vending machines to sell consumer goods has increased significantly in recent years as retailers better understand the needs of modern consumers.

"This pilot project with Ecigwizard and future trial partners aims to assess whether the sale of age-restricted goods can be part of the ongoing expansion of a new generation of smart vending machines to ensure that age-restricted products are not accessible to children."

extensive consultation

Before launching the pilot, 1account conducted an extensive consultation process to assess demand for and support for the e-cigarette vending machine concept, including with MPs, Public Health England and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, including ASH, the New Nicotine Alliance and Smoke-free apps, the UK Vaping Industry Association and various academic experts on vaping, including from King's College London.

Ben Keirle continued: Before the ban on cigarette vending machines a decade ago, an estimated 35 million cigarettes were illegally sold to children through vending machines each year.

"This next-generation machine combines our leading digital ID technology to provide adults with greater access to vaping products, which are at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, according to Public Health England. It also prevents children under the age of 18 from mastering vaping devices and e-liquids.”

"Today, adult customers have more choices than ever where they buy vaping products, including specialty vaping retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, online and now vending machines."

"This is important as e-cigarettes are widely proven to be the best way to quit smoking and thus play a key role in helping the government achieve its goal of making the UK smoke-free by 2030."

John Dunn, director general of the British Vaping Industry Association, welcomed the announcement of the 1account vaping vending machine.

He added: "E-cigarettes have been one of the most disruptive and successful business sectors of the 21st century. Innovation has been at the heart of its enormous positive impact on the health of ex-smokers and the nation's economy. The advent of e-cigarette vending machines is another example of the innovative spirit of the industry, which will support more smokers to successfully transition from traditional cigarettes to much less harmful vaping products, while boosting the retail economy.

“Today there are approximately 2.4 million former adult smokers who have switched entirely to e-cigarettes, with relatively low rates of smoking among those under 18. Digital ID technology built into vending machines will help ensure that both trends continue.”

The launch of the vending machines is part of an expansion of 1account, which aims to roll out its digital ID technology in stores selling age-restricted products such as alcohol, knives and drugs; and at U18 venues where it is illegal, including bars, nightclubs and casinos.

The company has also taken part in the Home Office sandbox test with Rekom, the UK's largest nightclub chain, which will see digital IDs tested for nightclub guests who want to keep their physical IDs at home.

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