<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>7-Eleven has opened its first vending machine only operation in the middle of Melbourne.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The new-look store on the corner of Spencer and Collins Street operates without staff.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Australian Association of Convenience Stores CEO Theo Foukkare said the store allows customers to walk in, make a selection, pay with their card and leave.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-storms-severe-weather-damaging-winds-large-hail-sydney/527cdd97-b529-44e5-adac-97b7ab338aad" target="_blank"><strong><span>Severe thunderstorms across NSW cause public transport delays</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It comes as attacks against retail workers in Victoria continue to climb, up more than 20 per cent in the 12 months to June.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The crime rates have been about three times worse the other states," Foukkare said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Premier Jacinta Allan has reiterated the government's commitment to crack down on perpetrators.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-news-7-eleven-opens-its-first-staff-free-store-in-melbourne-cbd/bc4d236f-a289-46ef-bb23-f977dd396bac" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-airport-two-women-charged-after-33-million-illegal-find-in-their-suitcases/a18a655f-f1e9-4d7c-b106-bbd42089043b" target="_blank"><strong><span>Two young women facing life in prison over $33 million find in their suitcases</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We're focused on all retail workers which is why we have a bill before the parliament to increase the penalties," Allan said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>7-Eleven said violence against staff members is only part of the reason for opening the fully automated store and it is subject to a trial.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's part of the solution, it absolutely will not be the solution," Foukkare said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The peak body representing convenience stores said it is unlikely this will be the future for retail.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It says operators are committed to investing in security measures so their staff can continue to deliver face-to-face service.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Apple App Store</span></em></strong></a><span> </span><strong><em><span>and</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;pli=1" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Google Play</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>.</span></em></strong></div></div>