European merchants urge the EU to broaden cash acceptance exemptions

In a joint statement issued as negotiations between the Council, Parliament and Commission continue on the proposed Regulation on the legal tender of euro banknotes and coins (2023/0208(COD)), the organisations welcome amendments to exempt unmanned use cases from mandatory cash acceptance. However, they argue that this does not go far enough. 

While recognising that the fundamental right to pay with and access cash must be safeguarded, signatories stress that obligations on merchants should remain proportionate, operationally feasible and subject to reasonable exemptions. They highlight that the presence, handling, storage and transport of cash can create safety, security and health risks for staff, customers and the wider public. 

The organisations therefore call for a targeted amendment to article 5.1 of the Regulation to allow exemptions where the acceptance of cash would lead to objective and demonstrable health, safety and/or security risks. This could include defined time windows and specific high-risk contexts where cash handling would pose a disproportionate risk, provided that alternative means of payment are available. 

The signatories emphasise that cash should remain generally accepted as a means of payment, while arguing that specific, objectively documented circumstances may justify proportionate limitations. They call on the European co-legislators to reach a balanced outcome that safeguards access to cash without compromising the safety and security of workers, consumers and businesses. 

Signatories

Airlines for Europe (A4E), European Association of Corporate Treasurers (EACT), European Regions Airlines Association (ERAA), EuroCommerce, European Parking Association (EPA), HOTREC, Independent Retail Europe, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Leaseurope, SMEunited