Letter from Boston
Vending Machines
By MASAKO YAMADA
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自動販売機
日本では町のあちこちで自動販売機を見かけますが、アメリカでは、屋外で自販機を目にすることはあまりありません。その理由としては、自販機を壊して小銭を盗む犯罪が多いことや、未成年へのタバコや酒の販売が固く禁じられていること、地域住民が町の美化に高い関心を持っていることなどが挙げられます。
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During the summer months, the cafeteria in my building is shut down. Some
of the other cafeterias on campus remain open, but even they usually close in
the early afternoon. There are still quite a few students on campus, however,
and they are known to get hungry at strange times. For this reason, the
vending machines on campus seem particularly useful during the summer.
Whenever I go to the vending machine, it seems like there's always somebody
else there.
Ironically, the vending machines in my building are located right next
to the cafeteria. The cafeteria sells similar drinks and snacks (as well as
pastries, salads, soups and sandwiches), so it would seem that when the
cafeteria is open, the vending machines would not be considered so useful.
This is not the case, however: Some people like the convenience of the
machines. Others get hungry after the cafeteria is closed.
Most of the vending machines I've seen in the States are located inside
private buildings, such as schools, tennis clubs and ice-skating rinks. The
machines basically enable these places to serve simple food without hiring
people to handle the money. Vending ma
chines are faster for private customers, but they are not particularly useful
to the general public. I rarely see vending machines outdoors or inside
large public buildings such as bus stations or train stations.
I'm always surprised by the selection of things I see sold in vending machines
in Japan: juices, canned coffee, canned soups, milk, alcohol, cigarettes,
rice. Even more surprising, the vending machines seem to be on every street
corner!!
Undoubtedly, part of the reason this is possible is because petty theft and
vandalism are not as common in Japan as in the States. It's true that there
are quite a few newspaper vending machines on the streets of Boston, but they
are not exactly enticing targets for vandals.
Another problem in the States is related to selling alcohol and
cigarettes to minors. Of course, minors aren't supposed to buy alcohol and
cigarettes in Japan either, but stores in the States are obligated by law not
to provide these products to minors, and many store owners take these laws
seriously. They can be fined, sued or have their licenses suspended if
they don't follow the rules. I remember trying to buy some beer for my parents
when I was very young and being turned away. Even though I'm 25 now, I still
have to show my ID every time I buy alcohol. Given this, it's no big
surprise that alcohol and cigarettes are not sold on the streets.
I think another reason vending machines are not found outdoors is because they
are an eyesore. Many people in the States are very particular about how
their cities look, and there are often strict zoning rules dictating what
can be placed on public property.
I can imagine many people not being happy with large, red Coke machines
outside their doorstep, or with the large number of people likely to
congregate around it. There have also been accidents in which vending
machines have fallen on top of people, and the liability issues arising from
such a case are understandably complex.
Given these drawbacks, it's not too surprising that vending machines
are usually treated carefully and kept indoors. I know that Boston
University maintains the vending machines in my building, since I called an
on-campus hotline
when a bag of potato chips that I'd bought got stuck in the machine.
The man in charge took down the complaint as if it were a police report
("When did this happen?" "What was the code number of the machine?" "What
got stuck?") and then promised to send me a refund. Sure enough, I got a
check for $1 (¥120) from BU a couple of days later.
I was impressed with the professional service. It helped me remember that
there are many complex issues surrounding these personless stores.
Shukan ST: July 30, 1999
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