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sealjam | 6 years ago

Anecodatal but: In London there are already multiple shops/restaurants/bars that no longer accept cash.

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iamphilrae|6 years ago

I bought a falafel wrap from a basic market stall the other day in London and they didn’t take cash at all. Makes sense- less germs, less chance of robbery, easier accounts, better chance of adhering to tax laws, and better convenience to me as a customer.

benj111|6 years ago

"better chance of adhering to tax laws" That wouldn't be seen as an upside for the majority of small traders I've known.

Plus its only convenient because you had the payment method they accepted.

r3bl|6 years ago

I've seen the same in Amsterdam, but I believe it's important to understand why they do that.

According to additional anecdotal evidence, no cash what so ever is their way of reducing the odds of a burglary. Within myriads of shops, one shop that doesn't offer cash payments is way less likely to be broken into.

mruts|6 years ago

A little off topic but interesting point: In America restaurants must take cash but stores don’t. This is because once you’ve eaten you now owe a debt and cash must be accepted as payment for debts, as required by law. But if you are buying something you don’t have a debt yet, so they are free to turn you down.

One way to get around this would be to eat your candy bar or whatever in the store. Now they must take your cash, or accept not getting paid I guess.

DanBC|6 years ago

> One way to get around this would be to eat your candy bar or whatever in the store.

That would be theft or criminal damage.

anticensor|6 years ago

This is the reason why fast-food restaurants are always prepaid. A regular restaurant could also require you to pay for the most expensive combination up front and then pay the difference back.

kevinmchugh|6 years ago

Do you have a source for this? Beyond the print on the back of dollar bills, that is?