ARLINGTON, VA — March 8, 2022 — On behalf of The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) and Tri-State Automatic Merchandising Council, NAMA’s Director of State Affairs, Nick Steingart testified today before the Delaware House of Representatives, House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee, urging an exemption for micro markets from legislation that would ban cashless retail.

The bill, House Bill 299: Consumer Equal Access Protection Act would prohibit the seller of consumer goods or services from refusing to accept cash payment, except in limited circumstances. In testimony, Steingart made the case that the bill would uniquely impact the utilization of micro markets that typically do not accept cash.

“Primarily, these locations are situated in workplaces and other restricted access areas not open to the general public, and offer healthier and more abundant selections compared to traditional vending machines,” said Nick Steingart, NAMA Director of State Affairs. “Micro markets often do not accept cash but instead use employee stored value cards, credit and debit cards or biometric payment.”

He urged the committee to consider an amendment similar to those passed in other states that would exempt retail sales from unattended locations not open to the public. Such an amendment would exempt micro markets from enforcement.

Read NAMA’s full testimony.