A growing number of high street brands are transitioning to cash payments-free systems, with major retailers adopting card-only policies. From restaurants to petrol stations, this shift aims to improve operational efficiency and security.
However, as more businesses embrace digital payments, a debate has emerged. Critics argue that excluding cash could leave some customers behind.
According to DevonLive, the move has raised questions about accessibility and the future of payment methods in the retail sector.
The Rise of Cashless Payments and the Decline of Cash Payments
Among the brands making the transition to cashless systems are Zizzi, Gail’s Bakery, and Itsu, which have implemented card-only policies at many of their locations. The trend isn’t confined to restaurants—supermarkets like Tesco and Asda have also introduced card-only payment options at their petrol stations and cafes.
These businesses argue that cashless payments simplify transactions, improve security, and even offer environmental benefits by eliminating the need for cash handling.
Zizzi has fully embraced a cashless model, stating on their website:
“To provide the smoothest and fastest payment experience, and to keep our teams safe, we are cashless and we encourage card, Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions. You can pay up to £100 contactless on your card and unlimited when using Apple Pay and Google Pay in most of our restaurants.”
Similarly, Gail’s Bakery, which operates over 150 locations, commented,
“We only accept card payments. This practice has environmental benefits as it eliminates the need for cash collection and delivery, which used to be done by car several times per week across over a hundred locations. Additionally, being cashless has had a positive impact on the security of our bakeries by minimising the risk of criminal activity.”
Meanwhile, Itsu has been gradually rolling out cashless locations since 2019. They mentioned,
“We trialled this earlier in the year at stores with the highest percentage of card transactions in order to assess customer feedback before rolling out to others. We now have 12 and have plans to continue as the response so far has been largely positive.
Public Backlash and Legal Perspectives
Despite the growing acceptance of cashless systems, the shift away from cash payments has been met with criticism from advocacy groups like the Payment Choice Alliance, which insists that businesses should be legally required to accept cash.
The group argues that rejecting cash payments is harmful to those who rely on it, including the elderly and those without access to banking services. Ron Delnevo, the chairman of the Payment Choice Alliance, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying:
“The vast majority of the public want cash to be honoured as a payment. These businesses are letting down the public.”
However, legal experts clarify that businesses are within their rights to refuse cash, as the term ‘legal tender’ applies only to the repayment of debts, not general transactions. Full Fact clarified,
“It’s not illegal for shops or businesses to refuse to accept cash. They can also refuse to accept card payments. And while cash is ‘legal tender’, this has a narrow definition that doesn’t mean businesses must accept it.”
The Bank of England further explained,
“Legal tender has a narrow technical meaning which has no use in everyday life. It means that if you offer to fully pay off a debt to someone in legal tender, they can’t sue you for failing to repay.”
For many customers, the decision to go cashless is seen as a convenience, enabling faster and more secure transactions. However, for others, it represents a barrier.
Critics argue that excluding cash payments can alienate individuals who prefer or depend on using physical money. Some businesses, like Sainsbury’s, continue to accept cash in the majority of their stores, but the exact number of cash-free locations is unclear.
