ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed into law legislation establishing a uniform definition and licensing requirements for micromarket operators across the state. It will take effect Oct. 1. Steve Boucher, president of the Maryland-DC Vending Association and regional director of Canteen Vending and Craig Kushner, president of Monumental Markets (Beltsville, MD), in partnership with the National Automatic Merchandising Association , advocated for passage of HB 1087 on behalf of...
May 7, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed into law legislation establishing a uniform definition and licensing requirements for micromarket operators across the state. It will take effect Oct. 1.
Steve Boucher, president of the Maryland-DC Vending Association and regional director of Canteen Vending and Craig Kushner, president of Monumental Markets (Beltsville, MD), in partnership with the National Automatic Merchandising Association, advocated for passage of HB 1087 on behalf of the industry.
As part of the process, both Boucher and Kushner provided testimony before the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee and Senate Finance Committee.
"Like many industries, ours is rapidly evolving. To meet consumers' needs for more innovative offerings, our member companies have introduced micromarkets to deliver a more diverse product selection," Boucher said. "Until this legislation became law, micromarkets were undefined by Maryland law. We are pleased that this matter has moved quickly through the legislative process."
NAMA senior vice-president of external affairs Eric Dell said that due to the rapid growth of micromarkets, NAMA's strategic partner program is providing the resources for increased proactive efforts in states across the country to define micromarkets, protect food safety and protect the industry.
"To address this, NAMA has developed 'model legislation' based on the positive work the association completed with the Conference for Food Protection in the creation of its unattended retail guidance document," Dell said. "NAMA is moving forward to replicate this micromarket legislation throughout the country in 2018 and beyond."