News

Michigan law defines 'micro market'

April 11, 2018

The State of Michigan has passed a law formally defining a micro market, an unattended retail concept offering consumers open product shelving and automated cashless payment. micro markets, which typically use self-serve kiosks, are most often found at larger workplace locations with employee populations above 125. 

Governor Rick Snyder recently signed the bill, whose micro market clarification language was proposed by the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association.

"This legislation is important because it is a proactive measure that clarifies the micro market concept and will ensure that Michigan operators can continue to expand their business endeavors in the micro market space," Jeff Smith, board chair elect of the National Automatic Merchandising Association and CEO of All Star Services, a refreshment services operator in Port Huron, Michigan, said in a press release. 

According to the bill, "micro market" means an operation that does all of the following:

• Offers for sale commercially prepackaged foods properly labeled for individual sale as required under the food code and does not offer bulk food for sale.
• Uses an automated payment system.
• Controls the entry to the operation so that the operation is accessible only by a defined population and is not accessible by the general public.
• Limits consumer food preparation to heating or reheating food in a microwave oven.
• Utilizes continuous video surveillance of areas where consumers view, select, handle and purchase food.