ACS encourages local shops to promote cash acceptance

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The Association of Convenience Store is encouraging local shops to promote their acceptance of cash through the ‘Cash Friendly Pledge’.

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The pledge, launched today (13 May) by consumer group Which?, is a public commitment from retailers which sends the clear message to customers that they can continue to use cash as a payment method in their store.

Thousands of supermarkets and shops around the country have already committed to continue to accept cash, including: Aldi, Asda, Co-op, and Waitrose.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Local shops operate in the heart of our communities and provide customers with access to their cash through ATMs and cashback.

“It has been over a year since the government outlined a commitment to legislate access to cash at the 2020 Budget and yet no action has been taken to protect the future of this important payment method. The government needs to take urgent action to ensure long-term access to cash for consumers and to provide businesses with support to enable them to continue offering this vital service.”

Anabel Hoult, Which? chief executive, added: “Our cash-friendly pledge will reassure consumers who rely on cash that they won’t be left behind as we make the transition to digital payments. We’re asking retailers to sign up to the pledge because the pandemic has dramatically accelerated the decline of cash usage – threatening the whole infrastructure that ensures millions of people who aren’t yet ready to make the switch to digital payments can access and spend their own money.

“The government announced it would legislate to protect access to cash more than a year ago. Now it must set out when this will be introduced and explain its long-term plan to protect cash for as long as people need it.”

Retailers can sign up to the ‘Cash- Friendly Pledge’ here.