Abstract: In one aspect, a system (5) for facilitating procurement of a controlled or restricted item requested by a consumer via a dispensing event is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system is configured operable for enabling an authentication event in respect of the consumer's request, the authentication event involving an identifier and a characteristic associated with the identifier which provides an indication of successful verification of the consumer's eligibility to procure the controlled or restricted item. The system (5) is further configured operable for authorising dispensing of the controlled or restricted item by way of the dispensing event on a determination of the characteristic indicating successful verification of the consumer's eligibility to procure the item following acknowledgment of the identifier on presentation of same at the dispensing event.