Abstract: This vending machine includes a housing frame (12) subdivided into vertical columns (1-8) adapted to receive cylindrical articles (C). Elongate, rotatable support members (60) are provided below each column for supporting the column of articles, which tend to rotate under the weight of the articles. A ratchet wheel (70) and pawl member (80) assembly provided at one end of each support member provided a release mechanism controlling rotation of the support member incident to dispensing an article. The release mechanism associated with a selected column is actuated by one of a set of angularly related indexing members (101-108) carried by a drive shaft (100), each indexing member being disposed adjacent an associated pawl member. The drive shaft is driven by an electric motor (M) and the indexing members are rotated so that one of them is positioned to move an associated pawl member into and out of engagement with the ratchet wheel to dispense an article in response to customer selection.