Vending

NAMA calls on New York State to clarify guidance for reopening breakrooms

Logo provided.

June 1, 2020

The National Automatic Merchandising Association has asked the State of New York to revise its interim guidance on safe breakroom reopening and has asked its members to support its calls for change. While Gov. Andrew Cuomo's guidance incorporates NAMA's suggested language on safe breakroom reopening, some of the language creates uncertainty that NAMA would like to correct.

The concerning language is: "Responsible Parties should close non-essential amenities and communal areas which promote gathering or are high-touch (e.g. vending machines, communal coffee machines)," Wes Fisher, NAMA's manager of government affairs, said in a press release.
 
NAMA claims that onsite vending machines, micro markets, office coffee/tea/water services and pantry services in employee breakrooms offer a safe and effective way to provide lunches, snacks and beverages.
 
By eliminating the need for employees to travel off-site, these amenities reduce additional interpersonal contact with an outside environment, NAMA claims, which decreases the risk of exposure for employees and their colleagues and the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others.

NAMA has provided a link to allow its members to urge clarity on the safe operation of onsite convenience services. To access the link, click here.

For an update on how the coronavirus is affecting convenience services, click here.