The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) will evaluate how to protect the industry from a recent federal court decision. NAMA is the national trade association of the food and refreshment vending, coffee service and food service management industries. Many amusement companies also operate vending equipment.
The court has ruled that the U.S. discriminates against blind people by printing paper money without any distinctions, making it impossible to confirm the bills' value. The ruling upholds a 2006 lower court decision, and would force the Treasury Department to redesign money. The Treasury Department plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could take time to resolve.
NAMA cites it would result in tremendous financial hardship on its members. Operators project a $200 to $300 cost to retrofit each machine to accept new currency. NAMA officials also charge higher prices for consumers, due to the fees associated with either refitting or manufacturing new equipment. NAMA estimates there are seven million food and beverage machines in the U.S.; 1.5 million of them accept both $1 and $5 bills.
AMOA leaders discussed the matter during their Washington conference last year, but neither AAMA nor AMOA have taken formal action on the matter.
Will you be visiting the InterGame Expo?
- 13 - 16 January, 2009
IMA - Germany - 27 - 29 January, 2009
International Gaming Expo - UK - 11 - 13 February, 2009
EAAPA - Russia - 17 - 19 February, 2009
Gaming Expo Belgrade - Serbia - 03 - 04 March, 2009
AmEx 2009 - Dublin - Ireland - 11 - 13 March, 2009
ASI - Las Vegas, USA
