A bill has been signed in Philadelphia to make it the first city in the U.S. to require restaurants and other businesses to accept cash should a customer choose to pay with it. The new law, starting July 1st, runs against the flow of trends, where many places are looking to make their premises cashless. Cashless stores are thought to be more efficient, and also at less risk of being robbed.
Similar measures are being looked at in New York City, and New Jersey’s legislature has passed a variation, but not yet signed it.
The thinking behind the ban also extends to provide for those who cannot afford to purchase and maintain bank cards. The change in law will cover also mean that businesses cannot charge more for the use of cash, nor can they dissuade customers with cash by putting up signs.
