Tennessee House simplifies taxation and regulation of micro markets; NAMA hails passage of HB 367

April 28, 2021
National Automatic Merchandiser Association’s Mike Goscinski says new law will provide vending operators with the clarity they need to meet consumers’ needs without unnecessary and costly regulation

The Tennessee House passed a bill that clarifies the taxation, licensing and inspections of self-checkout micro markets operated in the state.

House Bill 367 adds definition to "micro market," "micro market display" and "unattended" for purposes of sales and use taxes. It authorizes owners and operators of micro markets in multiple locations to submit to the state’s department of revenue a single, monthly sales tax return and payment from sales made at all markets.

According to the bill’s text, “micro market" means an unattended food establishment that includes one or more micro market displays; has a kiosk or other electronic payment device for self-checkout; has controlled entry not accessible by the general public; and provides commercially prepackaged and ready-to-eat foods.

“Passage of HB 367, formally defining micro markets, provides much-needed simplification for convenience services operators in Tennessee,” said Mike Goscinski, senior director of external affairs of the National Automatic Merchandising Association. “The bill ensures that unattended retail locations or ‘micro markets’ are not subjected to onerous licensing and inspection regulations that are intended for restaurants and establishments that prepare food on site.”

Goscinski praised the Tennessee Automatic Merchandising Association, along with the State House, Senate and Gov. Bill Lee, for supporting the bill’s passage.

“We are pleased to see continued momentum since obtaining a national definition of micro markets in the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code in December 2019,” the NAMA official said.

“But many states across the nation are still struggling with defining micro markets, determining registration fees and formalizing health inspection standards,” Goscinski continued. “We look forward to continuing to work with state legislators on similar measures that provide clarity for businesses and protect food safety.”

Related

Mike Goscinski joined NAMA’s government affairs team in May 2019. Goscinski oversees NAMA's legislative and regulatory efforts and represents the association on Capitol Hill. Prior to NAMA, he spent eight years at the American Bakers Association, most recently as director of government relations.
Associations

Q&A: NAMA’s Mike Goscinski discusses first 100 days of Biden administration

March 23, 2021
The convenience services industry is facing a new world in Washington. President-elect Joe Biden became President Biden on Jan. 20 after he took the oath of office to become the...
NAMA
Nama Logo New 571a488f9cc3e
Micro Market

NAMA Secures Micro Market Clarity In US Food Code

Dec. 30, 2019
Update: Capping off a year of advocacy successes, NAMA has secured language in the federal food code clarifying how micro markets should be considered by state and local health...