Is cash on the way out?

This morning, looking for a coffee, the first two places would not take cash so I went elsewhere.
Last week I went to a coffee shop at 1.50pm on a Friday. The person behind the counter informed me they close at 2pm. I went elsewhere. That place also does not accept cash. I told this to my friend's wife and she said there are many senior people who no longer go there because they do not take cash.
One place I went to would not serve me a coffee unless I bought a meal.
How can businesses complain when they do not take the money people want to part with?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

ArishMell · 70-79, M

Most shops in the UK offer cash, card or telephone-service payments but I did use a card-only coffee-shop recently.

Complete ending of cash in Britain would cause serious problems for a particulat aspect of our society. It has a huge wealth of amateur clubs and societies, voluntary-run public events like lectures, church groups and charities. These use, even rely, on hundreds of small-change transactions and donations for which electronic payments are just not practicable. The total annual turn-over of these is probably incalculable but I would not be surprised if it runs into some £millions.

Also, the rising costs of living and the dangers of living on loans (credit-cards) and instant transfers (debit-cards, 'phones) have brought home to many people that it is too easy to overspend by these methods, so they have reverted to rationing their spending by using cash (e.g. from ATMs) for everyday shopping and small treats.

Gusman · 61-69, M

@ArishMell 6000 atms have been removed in the last 5 years here across Australia.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@ArishMell My mother's church has a collection plate which accepts contactless transactions.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@SunshineGirl My church hasn't passed a plate since before covid and there is one box on the wall for cash gifts. The rest is given by bank transfers or the card machine which is programmable for large or small amounts by the donor, so are still confidential.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@FreddieUK I wonder if they collect more that way?

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Gusman I don't know numbers but many have been removed in Britain too; and a lot of bank branches have closed.

The banks' excuse is the growing number of people banking on-line; a statement so disingenuous I am convinced they have special Board Meetings to discuss the best way to patronise the public.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@ArishMell

I wonder if they collect more that way?

We are a self-supporting congregation and do not expect visitors to give anything. The giving increases each year and keeps pace with the needs locally and for at least 1/3rd of income to be given away.