Stores currently are shifting to “cash-less” because it is more convenient to customer and provides an extra layer of security on transactions. However, major cities, including Philadelphia, are looking to pass legislation to force stores to accept cash payments as an option from customers. The reasoning behind this is to provide an option for those who may not have the luxury of owning credit cards or having a bank account to pay for items within that specific store. This has even gone so far that a State Senator from New Jersey has imposed penalties for not accepting cash payments as an option. The penalties for not cooperating range from hundreds of dollars all the way up to $5,000.
Amazon has stepped in and has expressed opposition to this bill, as they have multiple pop-up stores located within New Jersey. There is currently a legal battle in progress to find a middle ground to this continuing issues. Other cities across the United States, such as New York and Chicago, have caught a drift about this legislation and are in the progress of developing their own as well.
I find this article interesting because there is a conflict for how fast technology has progressed within recent years. I understand what these local governments are trying to provide to their citizens, but there is only so much to stop the progression of technology within stores. Sweeden is a country for example that has implemented a cash free stores into their society after leading the way. I know within my own friend group I use venmo to pay my bills and food rather than use physical cash. This is an interesting piece that could affect lots of people.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/business/cashless-payments.html