Should a business be forced to accept cash?  That is a question being asked in some Maine towns and cities.

According to WMTW, one cafe / restaurant in South Portland is under fire because they refuse to accept cash.

The CIA Cafe has been around for almost a decade and, like a lot of business, made some changes to protect their employees during the pandemic.  One of those changes was no longer accepting cash.

In the TV station's report, the owner explained that nearly every time customers have no issue reaching for their debit or credit card when it is explained that the business does not accept cash.  However, it has become quite obvious that some people do have an issue with the policy.  And, at least one of those people complained to the South Portland city government.

This has sparked a discussion in the town about whether or not refusing to accept cash constitutes discrimination against those who only use cash.  A meeting about the potential ordnance was held last night.

Regardless of how the city feels about it, the Federal Government is okay with a business, any business, NOT accepting cash.

A post on the Federal Reserve website says, in part:

There is no federal statute mandating that a private business, a person, or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether to accept cash unless there is a state law that says otherwise.

Section 31 U.S.C. 5103, entitled "Legal tender," states: "United States coins and currency [including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve Banks and national banks] are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This statute means that all U.S. money as identified above is a valid and legal offer of payment for debts when tendered to a creditor.

What do you think?  Let us know by sending us a message through our app or on Facebook.

11 Cool Maine Towns You Need To Visit In 2022

Maine is a state that has so much to offer. So this year, visit somewhere new!

2022 Maine 4th of July Fireworks Displays

Here is a list of upcoming Independence Day fireworks displays in Central Maine and beyond. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. If you have a fireworks display you would like added, feel free to email cooper.fox@townsquaremedia.com

More From Kool AM