Cashless society backlash brewing Stateside

Philadelphia’s City Council has proposed a bill that would prohibit cashless retail locations.

Democratic Councilman-At-Large William Greenlee, who introduced it, argues that cashless businesses can discriminate against people without bank accounts. The move, which would affect the likes of restaurant chain Sweetgreen, follows New Jersey passing a bill that bans such stores within the state.

In a LinkedIn post, Ron Delnevo, Founder of ATM venture Bank Machine, said that a head of steam was building up against moves to limit the public’s payment choice. “Oddly, the UK is waiting for a Canadian to act. Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, can make clear the bank is strongly opposed to payment choice being restricted and call on the UK government to introduce legislation to ensure cash is always accepted for in-person payments,” he commented.