Barclaycard trials self-serve beer taps
Barclaycard has trialled the world's first contactless beer pump at a bar in Piccadilly, central London. Based on the "Pay@Pump" service at petrol stations, drinkers scan their contactless cards, and when payment has been approved, a pint of ale is automatically dispensed within 60 seconds. Although only one drink can be served per swipe, cards can be used multiple times. The device could put an end to queues in pubs and bars and may also be rolled out at music festivals, according to Tami Hargreaves, commercial director of digital consumer payments at Barclaycard.
Barclaycard

Sometimes the best ideas are those that seem so obvious, you wonder why they haven't been done before. Barclaycard's first contactless, self-serve beer pump falls into this category.

Using a play on the “Pay @ Pump” options offered at petrol stations, the prototype “Pay @ Pump” beer pump has been designed to reduce queues at the bar on a night out. You go to the pump, scan any contactless card and place a glass under the pump.

Once the payment has been approved, a pint of ale is automatically poured. Sensors in the barrel register how much alcohol has been dispensed and once a full pint is served, the pump closes. The whole process takes 60 seconds.