A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale without the need for store employee involvement, assuming a valid sale is occurring. The switch member is received in a recess of the base and pivotally connected to the base. A size of a set of these requests are identified to exceed a threshold size and an identifier that identifies this set of requests is generated. The gear engaging teeth extend from the bottom surface to the top surface. In the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position. An amplifier is activated by a bias signal received from a shared bias circuit.