National Automatic Merchandising Association Seeks To Revise Dollar Coin Requirement For Vending Machines On Government Property

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is working with Congress to revise a requirement that all vending machines in federal property accept dollar coins.

When Congress enacted the law providing for Presidential Dollar Coins that are now available, a section was included to encourage the removal of barriers to circulation of the coin. This section basically said federal agencies and businesses on federal property, including vending machines, should take appropriate action to ensure that by Jan. 1, 2008, business operations involving coins or currency are fully capable of accepting and dispensing dollar coins.

Signs and notice indicating such capability are to be displayed, including on each vending machine. The actual text of this section is reproduced below.

NAMA is working with congressional staff to address recent concerns that have been raised about this requirement. Most vending machines on federal property should have the capability to accept dollar coins, but not all can dispense the coin in change and this raises questions about the actual extent of the requirement.

Vending operators are encouraged to refer questions to Brian Allen, NAMA senior director and counsel, government affairs/Central Area, phone 312-346-0370 x 222; email: ballen@vending.org.