Vote means businesses will have to accept cash

The next government will have to take the necessary steps to ensure businesses accept cash by January 2028, after a States Assembly vote on Friday.

Politicians voted in favour of Deputy Monfort Tadier's proposal which aimed to ensure islanders continued to have the choice to pay by cash for goods and services.

In the vote, 31 politicians were in favour of the plans with eight voting against.

Tadier told the meeting there was an "important window of opportunity" to ensure the use of cash continued.

In his proposal, Tadier wrote: "This is to ensure that as we transition at ever increasing speed into a digital economy, and a potentially cashless one, that no one is left behind; it is also to make sure that Jersey has a plan to ensure that people have a choice."

Tadier's proposition was supported by Deputy Helen Miles who said using cash was of vital importance to a family member who has severe learning disabilities and autism.

"This debate isn't about cash at all, it's about everyday independence and inclusion. For my family member, cash isn't old-fashioned or inconvenient, it's how he understands money, how he maintains modicum of independence and how he takes part in life.

"For many autistic people routine matters, clarity matters, predictability matters and I see that every day."

Not all politicians supported the plans. Deputy Kirsten Morel said: "You would be binding all business regardless of their customer base to accept cash, that puts risks and costs on those businesses such as night clubs."

"Ninety nine per cent of customers in night clubs are younger, and they don't want to carry cash, because it's an environment where cash can be lost and stolen."

"Similarly for the business itself, they don't want a till full of cash because cash can be stolen and it can go missing."

"And as banks charge every business to deposit cash, it costs them to do that."

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