Denmark’s government is planning to help usher in the long-awaited cashless society by giving restaurants and some shops the option to refuse notes and coins. As part of a pre-election package of economic measures put forward by the government, from the beginning of next year selected retailers, including restaurants, clothing stores and gas stations, would no longer have to abide by a rule forcing them to accept cash.
Grocery stores, post offices, places selling prescription drugs, doctors and dentists, would still have to accept physical money under the plan, which needs parliamentary approval.
Explaining its proposal, the government says that accepting cash puts a considerable financial and administrative burden on retailers. At the same time Danes are turning to debit cards and other electronic payment options.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce welcomed the move, saying in a statement: “It will make it cheaper and easier for many companies, if in the future they can choose to receive payment via card or mobile.”
(Fine Extra)
