Device and method for detaching linerless labels

Linerless labels are dispensed from a roll and detached along perforation lines using a set of low speed rolls, a set of high speed rolls, and a breaker blade between the sets of rolls. The label-engaging tip of the breaker blade, and at least one roll of each sets of rolls, has a surface that will not stick to the adhesive associated with the linerless labels. One or more conveyor belts, also with non-stick surfaces, may transport the linerless labels from the low speed rolls to the high speed rolls, and transport detached labels away from the high speed rolls. A sensor downstream of the high speed rolls senses the presence of a detached label, and then shuts down both sets of rolls. The apparatus may be operated in an automatic mode so that when a detached label is manually removed from the high speed rolls both sets of rolls automatically start up again, or in a manual mode that requires the operator to activate a switch to restart the detacher each time.