Phone charger vending machines are becoming increasingly valuable in busy nightlife venues, providing guests with a simple, reliable way to keep their devices powered without creating hassle or responsibility for staff. This case study explores how Jack Murphy’s Bar in Swansea introduced Vape Bot and Charge Cube vending machines as permanent fixtures inside the venue. While both systems attracted customer use, the venue saw exceptional results from Charge Cube sales, offering a modern alternative to traditional charging lockers or rental-based charging schemes. With support from The Bridge, the venue also benefited from ongoing customer data capture that can be used for future marketing.
Jack Murphy’s is one of Swansea’s busiest late-night venues, positioned in Wind Street’s high-footfall entertainment district. The bar attracts students, locals, event crowds and late-night groups moving between nearby pubs and nightclubs. High phone usage in these environments means customers regularly reach low battery levels, leading to frequent interruptions as they ask staff where they can charge their phones. Venues that rely on charging lockers or rental systems often deal with device returns, forgotten locker codes, disputes over damaged equipment, and liability when something goes missing. Jack Murphy’s management wanted a solution that would eliminate these issues entirely.
The problem
Before adopting phone charger vending machines, staff at Jack Murphy’s faced constant interruptions from guests asking for chargers, plug sockets or rental options. Traditional charging lockers were considered but rejected because they introduce problems with liability, queueing, forgotten PIN codes and disputes over lost or damaged devices. Rental-based charger systems were also evaluated but dismissed due to their reliance on customers returning hardware, which can create friction and slow service during busy nights.
The venue wanted a system that:
– required no involvement from staff
– eliminated all liability associated with customer devices
– offered instant, frictionless convenience
– provided a new revenue source without any operational burden
– supported long-term customer engagement through data capture
Phone charger vending machines, using the Charge Cube product, offered a way to meet all of these needs with minimal disruption.
What we installed: Charge Cube and Vape Bot vending systems
Two Charge Cube phone charger vending machines and four Vape Bot automated vape machine were installed inside Jack Murphy’s. The Charge Cube machines were positioned at the entrance and beside the main bar area. Guests could buy a portable Charge Cube instantly, keep the device permanently and take it home for reuse. This removed all reliance on rentals, lockers or returns. Customers paid, collected and walked away — no tracking, no disputes, no returns, no involvement from staff.
Each Charge Cube device is a compact, ready-to-use power bank designed for emergency charging situations. Because customers keep the product, the venue carries zero liability. The machines also include digital displays for product information and contactless payment systems to streamline the buying process.
The Vape Bot system complemented the offering by providing vending for compliant vaping products. However, the clear standout was Charge Cube, especially for solving long-standing customer battery issues during peak hours.
All vending interactions were captured automatically through The Bridge. When customers opted in, their mobile phone numbers became part of the venue’s growing marketing database. The Bridge allows Jack Murphy’s to reach past visitors through SMS or WhatsApp, sharing offers, event reminders and targeted promotions to encourage return visits. This created a new, intelligent communication pipeline that extended beyond the bar’s four walls.
The results: long-term improvements and reduced operational friction
Since installation, Charge Cube phone charger vending machines have significantly improved the customer experience while removing strain from staff. Guests no longer queue at the bar asking for chargers or plug sockets. Staff do not need to manage locker codes, track returns or deal with disputes. Footfall remains inside the venue rather than drifting outside in search of power solutions.
Data from The Bridge shows strong, consistent usage, especially during late-night trading. The venue’s marketing database has also grown as customers receive their digital receipts through the system, offering Jack Murphy’s an entirely new way to connect with guests.
Compliance for Vape Bot purchases remained strong, with built-in verification ensuring lawful access to regulated products at all times.
Industry guidance around customer device safety and venue liability, such as that found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customer-safety-advice, supports the model of avoiding direct involvement with customer-owned devices. Phone charger vending machines, where customers keep the product permanently, align well with these principles.
Overall, Charge Cube delivered a frictionless, commercially valuable solution that required no ongoing oversight. The vending machines provided both convenience for customers and new data-driven marketing opportunities for the venue.
