Abstract: A dispensing rack assembly which includes an enclosure for storing one or more items to be dispensed, an access opening communicating with the interior of the enclosure through which an item can be withdrawn, and a detection device associated with the opening for detecting the withdrawal of an item from the enclosure wherein the detection device includes a radiant energy emitting device, such as an incandescent light, for directing a beam of radiant energy near the access opening, a receiving device, such as a photoelectric cell, associated with the emitting device for receiving the beam of radiant energy, and an electric circuit associated with the receiving device including a control responsive to a change in the beam received by the receiving device and a signal device actuatable by the control whereby withdrawal of an item from the enclosure changes the beam and actuates the signal device.