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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS








As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  included  in this Form 11-K into  National  Service  Industries,  Inc.'s
previously  filed  Registration  Statement  covering the National  Linen Service
Retirement and 401(k) Plan for Eligible Management Associates.



/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
    Arthur Andersen LLP



Atlanta, Georgia
June 25, 1997