CHICAGO – February 13, 2018 – The Maryland-DC Vending Association hosted its “Convenience Services Day” at the state capitol in Annapolis on Thursday, February 8th. 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 micro markets.

Over the course of more than 22 meetings, attendees explained the need for the need for legislation regarding micro markets 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 micro market operators across the state. In order to obtain a license, the bills require operators to register with the State of Maryland and pay a $50.00 license fee. Further, micro markets 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.

“Micro markets are an innovative and rapidly expanding retail food and beverage concept that provide expanded consumer value and represents a blend of traditional vending, freshly prepared packaged foods, and beverage selections, all in one location. Micro markets are quickly becoming a desired on-site 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 micro market legislation to occur at the state level,” he continued.

“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, who participated in the event. “As an operator of micro markets 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,” he concluded. The micro market bills will be discussed during upcoming committee hearings in the House (February 20) and Senate (March 8), and MD/DC Vending Association leadership will be present to offer testimony.