Griffo urges governor to sign bill prohibiting cashless establishments

With the New York State Fair featuring no cash sales at the Fair’s entrance gates or in parking lots, a cashless Saratoga Race Track in the middle of its season and many professional and collegiate stadiums in the state no longer accepting cash, state Sen. Joseph Griffo is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would give New Yorkers the freedom to decide for themselves how they want to pay for goods or services at certain businesses and venues.

 

The bill (S.4153A/A.7929A), passed by the Senate and Assembly during this year’s legislative session, would prohibit food service and retail establishments throughout the state from refusing to accept payment in cash from consumers.

 

Violators would be subject to civil penalties under the bill. It would prevent discrimination against those who lack financial stability and who need to pay with cash because they do not have access to credit cards or a checking account.

 

“An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers support this proposal,” Sen. Griffo said. “They want to be able to choose for themselves how they pay for goods or services. I am hopeful that the majorities will quickly send this bill to the governor for her consideration and that she will sign it into law because cash should be an option everywhere.”

 

Several states and major cities already have policies in place or are considering taking action to ban cashless stores.

 

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