Maryland-DC Trade Testifies Against Failed Healthy Vending Law

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Members of the Maryland-DC Vending Association testified before the Maryland Legislature in opposition to the "Maryland Healthy Vending Act." The Act would require that at least 75% of packaged food and beverage options sold in vending machines on state owned or managed grounds meet a "healthy" standard, according to the bill's sponsors.

A week later, the Senate Finance Committee voted to kill the measure (SB602), and the sponsor of corresponding legislation in the House (HB1498) withdrew the bill prior to a committee vote, according to a report in the Baltimore Post-Examiner.

MDDCVA members testified that imposing a 75% minimum on the types of food and beverages sold in vending machines virtually eliminates consumer choice, and is a clear-cut example of government overreach into personal decision-making by consumers. They also stated that this measure targets vending operations and will negatively impact their profits.

"To be limited by choice, and taking the choice away from everyone, is going to destroy sales in vending," said Scott Meskin, president of Black Tie Services (Baltimore) and winner of the 2016 National Automatic Merchandising Association Operator of the Year Award. "So our sales -- and we've done tests before ----could be cut in half."

"Limiting the items in the vending machine is really just targeting vending companies," he added. "They aren't limiting what's being sold in the hot dog stand right outside the courthouse. They aren't limiting what's being sold in the convenience store right next to the courthouse."

In recent years, vending operators, as well as beverage, food and snack manufacturers in Maryland, have made substantial efforts to provide increased product variety to meet consumer demand, including voluntarily placing labels on the front of bottles, cans and food packaging, as well as caloric and nutrition information signs on vending machines, coolers and other equipment.

Sheree Edwards, NAMA's regional legislative director, hailed the state council's effective mobilization in defense of the industry and its customers. "This is another example of grassroots advocacy at work at the state level," she said. She applauded the council members who attended the House and Senate hearings at the Maryland State Capitol, including John Baddour, Royalle Services (Rockville); Steve Boucher, Canteen (Suitland); Nick Sarioglou, Betson Distributing (Baltimore); Amy Bartholomee, Vend Central (Baltimore); Meskin; and Katelyn Jackson, The Coca-Cola Co.

The Maryland-DC Vending Association is an affiliated state council of the National Automatic Merchandising Association.

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION:Visiting the Maryland Capitol in Annapolis is the Maryland-DC Vending Association delegation. From left, they are John Baddour, Royalle Services; Steve Boucher, Canteen; Nick Sarioglou, Betson; Amy Bartholomee, Vend Central; Katelyn Jackson, Coca-Cola Co., and Scott Meskin, Black Tie Services.