News

Maryland-DC Vending Association Hosts Convenience Services Day At State Capitol Promotes Support For Pending Micromarket Legislation

CHICAGO -- The Maryland-DC Vending Association hosted its "Convenience Services Day" at the state capitol in Annapolis on Feb. 8. MD/DC members from across the state met with legislators to discuss the convenience services industry, its economic impact in Maryland, and to seek support for pending legislation regarding micromarkets. Over the course of more than 22 meetings, participants explained the need for legislation regarding micromarkets that is currently pending in the senate (SB 758) and hou...

February 12, 2018

CHICAGO -- The Maryland-DC Vending Association hosted its "Convenience Services Day" at the state capitol in Annapolis on Feb. 8.  MD/DC members from across the state met with legislators to discuss the convenience services industry, its economic impact in Maryland, and to seek support for pending legislation regarding micromarkets.

Over the course of more than 22 meetings, participants explained the need for legislation regarding micromarkets that is currently pending in the senate (SB 758) and house (HB 1087), and sponsored by Sen. Edward Reilly and Delegate C.T. Wilson, respectively.  

Collectively, the two bills would establish a uniform definition and licensing requirements for micromarket operators across the state. In order to obtain a license, the bills require operators to register with the state of Maryland and pay a $50 license fee. Further, micromarkets must not be accessible to the general public, offer only prepacked or ready-to-eat food and fresh fruits, and must contain provisions for food safety and security.  

"Micromarkets are quickly becoming a desired onsite employee benefit by business of all sizes across Maryland," said MD/DC Vending Association president Steve Boucher, regional director of Canteen/Compass Group. "For this concept to continue to grow unencumbered, it is essential for the passage of micromarket legislation to occur at the state level."

"As the faces of the industry in Maryland, it was important that the MD/DC Vending Association members visit with their legislators in Annapolis to promote the positive impact that convenience services has on the economy," said Craig Kushner, president of Monumental Markets (Beltsville, MD), who participated in the event. "As an operator of micromarkets across the state, I believe the concept's growing popularity could be stifled without a statewide license or definition, thus I applaud Delegate Wilson and Senator Reilly for their leadership on this issue -- which will be for the benefit of Maryland businesses and consumers."

The micromarket bills will be discussed during upcoming committee hearings in the House on Feb. 20 and Senate on Mar. 8, and MD/DC Vending Association leadership will be present to offer testimony.

UNITED WE STAND: Pending micromarket legislation is top of the order for Maryland-DC Vending Association at recent Convenience Service Day in Annapolis.