Regulation of coin-operated vending machines pushed

CEBU, Philippines - Association of Barangay Councils president and Cebu City Council ex-officio member Michael Ralota wants the proliferation of coin-operated vending machines and dispensers on the sidewalk and streets of the city regulated.

Ralota, barangay captain of T. Padilla, expressed concern on the health of the public and said there should be protective actions to regulate the sale, storage and distribution of “potentially hazardous or contaminated consumer products.”

Once it is approved, Ralota said the proposed measure will be known as Vending Machine Ordinance of the city.

Under the proposed ordinance, coin-operated water vending machines will not be installed anywhere in the streets or even sidewalks without the firm or entity securing and all paying necessary clearances, permit and fees that outlined in the sanitary code of the city.

It also says that any person, firm or entity who is engaged or intends to engage in the business shall first secure a clearance certification from the barangay where he intends to operate.

They also have to get a business permit from the City Treasurer’s Office, Ralota said.

If it is approved, the vending machine shall be affixed with official sticker issued by the treasury department. 

According to Ralota, the vending machines shall be provided with product releasing and dispensing system that is in compliance with prescribed industry standard and in a manner that efficiently prevents the collection of drip, spillage, damage and overflow.

If the machines are in the sidewalk, Ralota said the sanitary and safety requirements shall also be complied.

Among the requirements – there shall be a functionally retractable and transparent of the processed drinking water dispenser unit and that the cover should be transparent. Each of the vending machine must also have garbage receptacles placed near them.

Under Section 9 of the proposed ordinance, the City Health Department is authorized to inspect and conduct random inspections.

The water dispenser that will be found defective will be sealed and issuance of notice of closure or confiscation will be done.

Ralota also said that owners or operators must also display their identification including their contact number.

In order that there will be no shortage of coin circulation, Ralota said that the owners shall retrieve the coins from their machines daily.

The Cebu Bankers Club (CBC) earlier sought the help of the local government and other agencies to encourage the public to flush out coins, especially those long kept in coin-operated machines.

Under the prohibited acts, it is unlawful to operate a machine without a coin change slot compartment.

Violators will face a fine of P2,000 for first offense and P3,000 for the second offense.

Ralota said violators who will be found violating for the third time will be fined P5,000 and an imprisonment of not exceeding one year. (FREEMAN)