THE introduction of EBars in the UK, self-serving machines that pour pints, could quite literally be a game-changer.

The long-standing annoyance of waiting for drinks at crowded sports events, gigs and anywhere else where crowds of thirsty people all want a drink at once become a thing of the past with these automated beer-buffets.

Sam Pettipher, an MBA student at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, invented EBar after missing an important moment at a rugby match because he was waiting to get his beer.

These stations, akin to self-checkout systems, have been set up at several events, such as the Ashes at Old Trafford and Sam Fender’s concerts at St James’ Park, replacing the need for multiple bar staff and providing patrons with the convenience of a quick pint.

Despite some criticism about the depersonalisation of this age-old service, Nick Beeson, EBar’s co-founder and CEO, emphasises that it’s not about job displacement but about increasing efficiency at large-scale events.

With the current shortage of skilled bartending staff due to Brexit and Covid, EBar can potentially fill the gap, pouring between 120 to 150 pints an hour.

Licensing regulations still require some human supervision for EBars, primarily for ID checks, but the machines can continuously serve drinks from morning until past midnight.

Several other companies like Drink Command in the UK and Pour My Beer in the US are also exploring self-service bars, but with a different model that requires customers to pull their own pints.

Beeson hopes to raise EBar’s capacity to 180-200 pints per hour in the next four months and double that within a few years.

Despite this exciting development, Tim Sheahan, editor of Brewers Journal, told the Guardian he is skeptical that beer vending machines will replace the traditional pub, seeing it more as a convenience solution for large venues rather than a replacement for the immersive experience of a pub visit.

“I’m a bit reticent about everything now being automated. It would be like only ever using Deliveroo or Uber Eats and never going out for a meal in a restaurant.

“But I don’t think people go to stadiums for the beer experience. You pay £100 to see a band or watch a sport and you have to compromise, to get something cold and fizzy in your hand. It’s a convenience thing. You’re not going to say: ‘Hey, shall we go to Wembley Stadium for a couple of pints?” Just like you wouldn’t go to most cinemas for a gourmet dining experience.”