Detaching a security tag from an article with a magnetic detacher having a movable blocker

A method of detaching a security tag from an article, comprising:

• receiving, at a detacher device, an unlock signal from a transaction system, wherein the detacher device includes:
• a housing having at least one wall that defines a nest configured to receive the security tag;
• a gate assembly including a gate member and an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the gate member between a closed position and an open position, wherein the gate member in the closed position blocks the nest preventing unlocking of the security tag, and wherein the gate member in the open position allows access to the nest and the unlocking of the security tag;
• and
• a magnet positioned on an opposite side of the housing below the nest, wherein the magnet has a flux in an area of the nest sufficient to unlock a magnetic lock of the security tag in response to a portion of the security tag being placed adjacent to or within the nest;
• moving, by a processor controlling the actuator, the gate member from the closed position to the open position based on receipt of the unlock signal;
• receiving the security tag in the nest of the detacher device;
• and
• unlocking, by the magnet based on receipt of the security tag in the nest, the magnetic lock of the security tag to allow the security tag to be detached from the article.